Barcelona targets Julián Álvarez and Dusan Vlahovic as potential replacements for Robert Lewandowski, according to sources.
Barcelona are ramping up their efforts to find a striker to succeed Robert Lewandowski this summer, with Julián Álvarez and Dusan Vlahovic among the potential candidates, various sources have informed ESPN.
Lewandowski, 37, will see his contract expire in June, and while no determination has been made regarding his future beyond that point, Barça have begun to strategize for a post-Lewandowski era.
Club insiders indicate that president Joan Laporta is “still dreaming” of securing a deal for Atlético Madrid’s Álvarez, whom he considers the perfect addition, but sporting director Deco is exploring more budget-friendly alternatives.
Negotiating a deal for Álvarez is expected to be challenging, as Atlético is likely to demand significantly more than €100 million ($118m) for the forward, and there may also be interest from other major European clubs.
ESPN reported last week that Premier League leaders Arsenal are also among those considering a move for the Argentina international.
Consequently, Deco is evaluating other options that could fill the void left by Lewandowski, including Juventus striker Vlahovic.
The Serbian forward was on Barça’s radar even before his 2022 transfer to Juventus from Fiorentina, but his contract expiring in June makes him an especially appealing target for the LaLiga club this summer.
– Lamine Yamal’s stunner headlines Barcelona’s win over Real Oviedo
– Transfer rumors: PSG’s goodwill gesture to Barcelona in Fernández deal
– Barcelona to hold elections for next president on March 15
Vlahovic, 25, is currently sidelined due to a groin injury, but prior to his absence, he had netted six goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions for the Turin side.
Álvarez, on the other hand, is another player that Barça has monitored for several years, dating back to before his move to Manchester City, when club scouts in South America recommended him.
Despite the financial implications of a potential deal, club sources noted that there is “still a long way to go” in the pursuit of Álvarez and that “a lot of things could happen, but we’re attentive to the situation.”
Álvarez, who has scored 11 goals in 29 matches this season, has a contract with Atlético that runs until 2030, with a staggering release clause of €500m.
