La Liga forward generates total consensus at Barcelona but summer deal difficult | OneFootball

It is no secret that Barcelona have started thinking about life without Robert Lewandowski.

The veteran forward is no longer the athlete he once was, and his goal-scoring has taken a major hit this season, with everything pointing towards this being his last season.

Barcelona are aware of what Lewandowski’s exit could entail and are, therefore, determined to sign a long-term replacement. For many, the club’s obvious choice is Julian Alvarez.

Adored in Barcelona

According to Radio MARCA, there is no secret who the favourite is at Barcelona when it comes to signing a new striker.

Indeed, it appears Alvarez is loved by almost every step of Barcelona’s chain, including the coaching staff, the dressing room, the sporting director Deco and even Joan Laporta, who is leading his bid to remain as president.

“The favourite and number one is no longer a secret. Julian Alvarez is liked. The president likes him, the sporting director likes him, the coaching staff likes him, and even the dressing room likes him,” said journalist Rulo Fuentes.

Julian Alvarez is a hot topic at Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This unfettered support and consensus are a good thing as they would give Barcelona a clear direction about who to sign in the summer.

However, signing the Argentine international will be far from a straightforward task for the Catalans.

For one, Atletico Madrid will be determined to keep hold of their star striker, and there are even efforts underway to tie him down to a new long-term contract.

Even if Alvarez becomes available in the market, he is likely to cost a fortune – something Barcelona cannot afford given the sustained economic downturn.

Ultimately, it may all boil down to how many unwanted star players Barcelona can offload next summer and how quickly they can do so.

“Many things have to fall into place for Julian to wear the Barça shirt next season,” the journalist warned.