Barcelona line up Vlahovic and Julian Alvarez as top targets to replace Lewandowski | OneFootball

Barcelona have intensified their search for a new striker next summer and have identified Dusan Vlahovic and Julian Alvarez as top targets (h/t ESPN).

Robert Lewandowski’s contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of the season. Everything points towards his exit, with Barca keen on bringing in his successor.

The 37-year-old has experienced a notable decline in his physical level and form this season. It has also seen Ferran Torres move ahead of him in the striker’s pecking order.

The Polish international has the desire to continue at Camp Nou for one more season, but Barca want him to take a significant pay cut and accept a secondary role to sign a short-term extension.

However, Lewandowski is said not to be willing to make a huge financial sacrifice, while he has lucrative offers on the table from Major League Soccer and Saudi Arabia.

His wages are a sticking point for Barca, given their long-standing FFP woes. His departure could ease their financial burden.

Vlahovic’s contract at Juventus expires at the end of the season. He will be available as a free agent as the Italian giants have no plans to extend his deal.

The 25-year-old presents a bargain opportunity for Barca, although his form and fitness levels raise big questions over his signing.

The Serbian has managed only six goals and two assists in 17 games this season. He has been sidelined with an adductor injury since last month and is expected to return in March.

The former Fiorentina star hasn’t lived up to his full potential since his move to Turin, which begs the question of whether he can cut it out at a club like Barca and in Hansi Flick’s demanding system.

Meanwhile, Atletico’s Alvarez remains Barca’s dream target, and the Spanish champions have been monitoring his situation closely for a long time.

Although initially considered a far-fetched target, the Argentine is now open to leaving Wanda Metropolitano if Atletico fail to win trophies this season.

Alvarez is starting to have doubts over Diego Simeone’s project, and he wants to be part of a top club where he can regularly win trophies.

Despite a terrific start to this season, Alvarez’s form has nosedived. He has now gone 10 matches in La Liga without scoring.

However, he has netted 11 goals and five assists in all competitions.

The 2022 World Cup winner’s contract expires in 2030, and Atletico will demand a hefty valuation to part ways with him in the summer.