Barcelona’s summer transfer plans have already gathered significant momentum, with Anthony Gordon’s arrival now sealed and sporting director Deco continuing to work on several key positions.
The club’s priority remains finding a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, a task that has dominated discussions behind the scenes for months.
Hansi Flick is understood to be heavily involved in the process as Barcelona look to build a squad capable of competing for every major trophy next season.
However, securing their preferred target is becoming increasingly complicated.
Julian Alvarez remains the player Barcelona want most to lead their attack moving forward, but the race for the Argentine forward is beginning to intensify.
Relations between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reportedly become strained as the Catalans continue to push aggressively for a deal, with Atletico standing firm on their valuation of one of their most important players.
That situation has opened the door for rival clubs to enter the picture, and Paris Saint-Germain are now emerging as perhaps the biggest threat to Barcelona’s hopes. F
resh from securing back-to-back Champions League titles, the French giants are already planning their next statement signing and have identified Julian Alvarez as the ideal addition to strengthen their frontline.
According to Sport, PSG’s sporting leadership met with Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, before the Champions League final against Arsenal to express their serious interest in completing a transfer.
The French club deliberately postponed any formal negotiations until after their European campaign concluded in order to avoid distractions, but that restriction has now been lifted.
A formal offer from PSG is expected shortly, with the club fully aware that Atletico Madrid are seeking a fee in excess of €100 million.
The financial strength of the Parisian side could prove a major obstacle for Barcelona, who are preparing their own opening proposal in the coming weeks.
There had been suggestions recently that Alvarez preferred Atletico to negotiate exclusively with Barcelona, but the growing interest from elsewhere indicates the situation may not be so straightforward.
Both Deco and Hansi Flick remain strong supporters of the move and continue to push for the Argentine’s arrival.
Barcelona’s challenge is made even tougher by the fact that PSG coach Luis Enrique has admired Alvarez for years.
The Spaniard was reportedly keen on signing the forward even when he left Manchester City, and he now has another opportunity to bring him into his project.
Arsenal have also been credited with interest, meaning Barcelona are facing a multi-club battle for the striker they view as the perfect heir to Lewandowski.
Unless the Catalans can move decisively, there is a growing risk that their top transfer objective could slip away just as the race enters its most important stage.
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