Barcelona are getting ready to submit an official proposal for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as the club intensifies its search for a successor to Robert Lewandowski. The Spanish champions consider the Argentine their main objective for the upcoming transfer window and are determined to strengthen their attack despite already agreeing a £69m deal for Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Barcelona are getting ready to submit an official proposal for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as the club intensifies its search for a successor to Robert Lewandowski. The Spanish champions consider the Argentine their main objective for the upcoming transfer window and are determined to strengthen their attack despite already agreeing a £69m deal for Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
According to reports, Barcelona are preparing an initial offer without including any players in the negotiations. Atletico Madrid are expected to demand a figure close to €100m for the forward, whose contract with the club runs until 2030.
Alvarez has reportedly informed Atletico that he wants to leave Madrid after previously turning down an extension proposal from the club. Even so, Atletico remains in a solid negotiating position because of the length of his current agreement.
The forward is also attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League sides, though his preference is believed to be a switch to Barcelona. Before making their first bid, the Catalan club is expected to meet with Alvarez’s representatives.
Since arriving from Manchester City in 2024, Alvarez has become one of the standout attacking players in La Liga under Diego Simeone. His impact has been immediate, with the Argentine scoring 49 goals in 106 appearances in all competitions for Atletico Madrid.
Although Atletico are eager to keep him and previously attempted to secure his future with a new contract, the player’s desire to move has created uncertainty around his long-term stay in the Spanish capital. Barcelona is now hoping that situation could help them complete a deal this summer.
The Madrid side are still protected by the long-term contract signed by Alvarez, meaning they are under no pressure to sell quickly. Any negotiations are therefore expected to be difficult, especially with Atletico placing a high valuation on the striker.
Interest from other European clubs could also complicate matters further, but Barcelona remain confident because of the player’s reported preference for joining the reigning La Liga champions.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez comes as Robert Lewandowski prepares to leave the club when his contract expires this summer. The Polish striker will depart after four seasons in which he scored 120 goals in 193 matches for the Catalan side.
Even during the 2025/26 campaign, when his playing time was reduced, Lewandowski remained among the division’s most productive scorers. Across the last two La Liga seasons, only Kylian Mbappe has scored more goals than the veteran forward.
Replacing that level of production has become one of Barcelona’s main priorities ahead of the new season. Club officials view Alvarez as a player capable of leading the attack for years to come because of both his finishing ability and his overall contribution in possession.
Barcelona believes his profile fits perfectly into their long-term plans as they prepare for life after Lewandowski.
Alongside his scoring record, Alvarez has also developed a reputation as one of the league’s most creative forwards. Statistical rankings from last season placed him among the top five percent of La Liga attackers in several attacking categories.
His performances stood out for successful passing, accurate crossing, and chance creation, while he also ranked highly for producing big opportunities for teammates. Those qualities have strengthened Barcelona’s belief that he could add another dimension to their frontline.
The club sees him not only as a goal scorer but also as a forward capable of linking play and creating opportunities in advanced areas. That combination has made him one of the most sought-after attacking players in European football.
With discussions expected soon between Barcelona and the player’s representatives, the coming weeks could determine whether the Spanish champions are able to convince Atletico Madrid to part ways with one of their most important players.
