Atletico Madrid make key renewal offer for Barcelona priority target | OneFootball

One of the priorities for Barcelona next summer will be to sign a new forward as they prepare for life without Robert Lewandowski.

The club are desperately looking for someone who can replace the productivity of the Pole, with Julian Alvarez emerging as one of the ideal candidates.

Although the Atletico Madrid forward has struggled with form lately, he is regarded highly in the Barcelona camp due to his productivity and versatility in the final third.

Atletico Madrid make move for Alvarez

However, Barcelona must move swiftly if they are to sign Julian Alvarez, as it appears Atletico Madrid have already made the first move.

According to SPORT, Atletico Madrid have already presented him with a renewal offer to sign beyond his current contract, which expires in 2030.

Atletico Madrid are keen on keeping hold of Alvarez. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

It seems Los Rojiblancos are determined to keep hold of Alvarez for the long run and fend off suitors such as Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal by nailing him down to a lucrative, long-term deal.

This comes right after Atletico Madrid’s 4-0 win over Barcelona that saw Alvarez return to scoring form and show glimpses of the productivity he is usually associated with.

However, the Argentine has not accepted anything as of yet, with the report suggesting that Barcelona remain his preferred choice should he leave the club.

Those close to him suggest the former River Plate sensation would welcome a move to Catalonia. But Atleti are bound to make things difficult.

Given the long-term nature of his contract, Atletico Madrid are expected to ask for a hefty price tag for the services of the Argentine international, with the club already rejecting a €120 million offer from Arsenal earlier.