First Ask Arsenal — and €100 Million — If They Agree: Barcelona Face a Tough Search for a Post-Lewandowski Striker

Despite having attacking talents such as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres, Barcelona still rely on just one true all-round center forward: Robert Lewandowski.

The problem is clear—Lewandowski is already 37. With his contract nearing its end, his departure seems inevitable, forcing Barça to plan for the post-Lewandowski era. However, recent history suggests that Barcelona’s transfer plans often generate plenty of noise but little real action, especially when major financial commitments are required.

According to ESPN, Barcelona are scouring the market for Lewandowski’s successor, with Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez and Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović among their targets.

While club president Joan Laporta has long admired Álvarez, sporting director Deco remains more pragmatic. He believes Álvarez’s price is simply too high, and that Barcelona should instead pursue a more affordable alternative.

Born in 2000, Álvarez is an Argentine international who won the 2022 World Cup alongside Lionel Messi and lifted the Champions League with Manchester City. In 2024, he joined Atlético Madrid for €75 million and quickly became a key attacking figure under Diego Simeone. This season, he has registered 11 goals and 5 assists in 29 appearances. While respectable on paper, his campaign has also included a prolonged scoring drought.

Even so, Barcelona remain keen on Álvarez. Realistically, though, signing him would be extremely difficult. A player of his profile would instantly spark a bidding war, with a transfer fee well above €100 million. Atlético are financially stable, and Barcelona would struggle to meet such demands.

To make matters worse, Premier League leaders Arsenal are also interested in Álvarez, further intensifying competition.

As a result, Deco has shifted focus to Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović. Barcelona attempted to sign him back in 2022 but never followed through. With his contract now approaching its end, Barça are hoping to secure him on a free transfer.

However, this option is far from straightforward. Álvarez’s valuation and €500 million release clause are well beyond Barcelona’s reach, while Vlahović, despite being potentially available for free, commands a high salary that Barcelona may find difficult to accommodate.

In conclusion, neither deal appears particularly realistic. Barcelona may well be forced to endure a striker shortage in the post-Lewandowski era.