Barcelona line up Julian Alvarez as primary target for 2026 | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has identified Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as the top transfer target for next summer (h/t Diario Sport).

The Catalan club are looking to bring in a long-term successor for Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires next summer, and Alvarez is the chosen one.

The Argentine World Cup winner moved to Atletico from Manchester City in a €95 million deal last summer, and made an indelible impact in his debut season.

The 25-year-old bagged 29 goals and eight assists in all competitions and has continued his brilliant form this season, despite Atletico’s shaky start.

He scored a stellar hat-trick in the comeback win against Rayo Vallecano before stealing the spotlight with a double in the 5-2 win against Real Madrid over the weekend..

Alvarez has a release clause worth €500m in his contract, and Atletico will at least demand around €200m to part ways with him, making it an impossible deal for Barca to pull off.

Barca could also look at alternative options such as Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, who will be available for free next summer.

Vlahovic is behind Jonathan David and Lois Lopenda in the pecking order despite his brilliant run of form. The Bianconeri are open to getting his enormous salary off the books.

Barca are also considering promoting Ferran Torres as the new leader of the attack.

The Spanish international has become a regular starter this season, netting four goals in seven La Liga games.