FC Barcelona is intensifying its pursuit of a €100 million Atletico Madrid star, setting the stage for a blockbuster transfer battle.
As Robert Lewandowski’s contract nears its June expiration, the Blaugrana are exploring options to secure a long-term successor.
While Ferran Torres has impressed recently in the No. 9 role, the club’s sporting department is actively scouting the market for elite talent.
Among their top targets is a World Cup-winning striker currently thriving at a rival La Liga club, whose versatility and goalscoring prowess have caught the attention of Barcelona’s hierarchy, signaling their intent to bolster the attack with a high-profile signing.
The player in focus is Julian Alvarez, the 25-year-old Atletico Madrid star who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
According to The Athletic, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is a significant admirer of Alvarez, who has excelled in his debut season with Atletico in 2024/25.
The former Manchester City forward is valued for his clinical finishing, relentless work rate off the ball, and ability to adapt across attacking roles.
His performances have kept him firmly on Barcelona’s radar as they plan for a post-Lewandowski era.
However, prising Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, where he is contracted until 2030, poses a significant challenge.
Atletico’s €95 million investment in Alvarez last year underscores his market value, with estimates now placing him around €100 million.
Barcelona’s financial constraints could complicate such a high-stakes transfer, requiring careful planning to navigate their economic landscape.
Despite these hurdles, the La Liga champions remain vigilant, closely monitoring Alvarez’s situation at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
As they weigh options like promoting Torres or pursuing other targets, Alvarez’s profile as a proven winner and dynamic forward makes him a tantalizing prospect.
If Barcelona can overcome the financial barriers, securing the Argentine could mark a defining move in their quest to maintain dominance in Spanish football.
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