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Barcelona are finalising preparations to submit a formal offer for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, as the Spanish champions push ahead with their summer transfer plans.

Alvarez has long been a top target for the Catalan club and remains their main focus for the upcoming transfer window, as they seek a successor to veteran forward Robert Lewandowski.

Despite already agreeing a £69 million deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, Barcelona continue to prioritise Alvarez’s signing and are preparing their initial proposal for Atletico Madrid.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona’s opening bid will not involve any player exchanges. Atletico Madrid, however, are expected to demand a transfer fee close to €100 million for the Argentine forward.

Alvarez has communicated his intention to leave the Spanish capital after turning down Atletico’s offer of a new contract last season. Nevertheless, Diego Simeone’s side hold a strong bargaining position, with the forward tied to The Metropolitano Stadium until 2030.

While Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League clubs have also shown interest, Alvarez’s preference is a move to Barcelona. The Blaugrana are scheduled to meet with the player’s representatives before submitting their opening bid to Atletico.

Since joining Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024, Alvarez has become one of La Liga’s standout performers. He has netted 49 goals in 106 appearances across all competitions under Diego Simeone’s management.

Barcelona are actively looking for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who will depart this summer upon the conclusion of his contract.

The 37-year-old Polish striker leaves after scoring 120 goals in 193 matches during four seasons with the club. Despite reduced playing time in the 2025/26 campaign, only Kylian Mbappe (56) has scored more La Liga goals than Lewandowski (41) over the past two seasons.

In addition to his goal-scoring ability, Alvarez is also known for his creativity. Last season, he ranked among the top five percent of La Liga forwards for successful passes, accurate crosses, chances created, and big chances created.