Barcelona Targets Alvarez as Lewandowski Successor

Barcelona is intensifying its search for a long-term successor to striker Robert Lewandowski, with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez emerging as the club's top target ahead of the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old Argentine forward has attracted interest from several European powerhouses, including Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, as his future at Atletico remains uncertain following a recent dip in form.

Lewandowski, who turns 38 in August, is in the final year of his contract with the Catalan club. Officials at Barcelona view the Polish veteran as a valuable asset for the first team but only under specific conditions for any extension: a reduced role primarily as a substitute and a significant wage cut, potentially halving his current salary. The player has expressed no urgency in deciding his future, with both sides planning to assess the situation at the season's end for a clearer picture of the team's needs and his fitness. Recent changes to La Liga's salary rules allow greater flexibility for players over 36, permitting salary reductions of up to 3 million euros to count toward the limit, which could facilitate negotiations.

Interest in Lewandowski extends beyond...