Barcelona accelerate pursuit of Julian Alvarez despite £69m Anthony Gordon deal, opening bid imminent | OneFootball

Barcelona are preparing to submit an official offer to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

Alvarez is a long-term target for the Spanish champions and the club's priority for the summer transfer window, as Barcelona seek a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Despite agreeing a £69m deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, Barcelona remain determined to sign Alvarez and are readying a first proposal.

According toFabrizio Romano, Barcelona's bid will not include any players in part exchange, with Atletico likely to demand a fee in the region of €100m.

Alvarez has informed Atleti of his desire to leave the Spanish capital after rejecting the club's offer of a new contract last season. However, the Rojiblancos are in a strong position with Alvarez contracted at The Metropolitano Stadium until 2030.

Despite rival interest from Paris Saint-Germain and the Premier League, Alvarez favours a move to Barcelona. The Catalans are due to hold a meeting with the player's camp, before tabling their opening offer to Atleti.

Why do Barcelona want to sign Julian Alvarez?

Alvarez has established himself as one ofLa Liga's leading talents since signing for Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024. He's scored 49 goals in 106 games for Diego Simeone's side across all competitions.

Barcelona are searching for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is leaving this summer at the expiration of his contract.

The 37-year-old departs after 120 goals in 193 games for Barca across four seasons. Despite limited minutes in 2025/26, only Kylian Mbappe (56) has scored more La Liga goals than Lewandowski (41) over the last two seasons.

Alongside Alvarez's goals, the Argentine is an elite creator. Last season, he ranked in the top five percent ofLa Liga forwards for successful passes, successful crosses, chances created and big chances created.