Barcelona among leading candidates in race to sign Manchester City forward | OneFootball

Barcelona will sign a new striker this summer to replace Robert Lewandowski, who officially departed this week for Chicago Fire. Their top target is Julian Alvarez, but given that Atletico Madrid are determined not to sell the Argentina international to a direct rival, sporting director Deco has been forced to consider alternative options.

In recent weeks, the likes of Harry Kane and Eli Junior Kroupi have been linked, although neither player looks like ending up at the Spotify Camp Nou this summer. Instead, Barcelona have turned their attention to a player that they have been aware of for some time: Omar Marmoush.

According to CaughtOffside, Barcelona are one of the leading contenders to sign Marmoush, who will be allowed to leave Manchester City this summer in order to secure regular playing time. Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus are also pushing for the Egyptian forward, while Galatasaray have reportedly tabled a loan offer.

Man City want €60m to sell Marmoush

Marmoush would be an attractive option for Barcelona, given that he would cost significantly less than some of the other targets being considered. Alvarez would cost in the region of €150m were Atleti to relax their stance, whereas Man City would be willing to accept €60m for the 27-year-old, whom they signed 18 months ago for almost €70m.

As well as playing as a centre forward, Marmoush is capable of playing on either wing, which makes him an attractive option for Barcelona. They will have reduced depth on the flanks if Roony Bardghji departs this summer as expected, and given that an replacement would not be pursued for financial reasons, it would be smart if their new striker could play across the attack, similarly to Ferran Torres.

It remains to be seen whether Barcelona make a move for Marmoush, although that is likely to depend on whether they can prise Alvarez away from Atleti.