Barcelona eye Alvarez as Lewandowski replacement with Saudi-based Duran proposed as back-up option

Barcelona are intensifying their search for attacking reinforcements after the departure of Robert Lewandowski, with Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez – currently on loan at Atletico Madrid – identified as the club’s top target and Colombian striker Jhon Duran emerging as a possible alternative.

The Catalan side are under pressure to recruit at least one, and possibly two, forwards in the current window, with Ferran Torres also strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Club executives see the rebuilding of the forward line as an immediate priority as they look to remain competitive domestically and in Europe next season.

Alvarez pursuit grows more complicated

Barcelona’s primary objective is to secure the signing of Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, where he is currently playing under Diego Simeone.

However, senior figures at the Camp Nou are increasingly aware that negotiations have become more complex in recent days. Atletico are reluctant to lose a key attacking player, while the financial framework of any potential deal – including City’s position – adds further layers of difficulty.

Barcelona expect clarity next week over whether there is any realistic prospect of convincing Atletico to part with the Argentina international. Until then, the club is keeping parallel options under review in case talks over Alvarez stall or collapse.

Sporting director Deco is leading the process and is understood to be assessing a shortlist of possible alternatives, weighing up both sporting fit and financial viability.

Saudi-based Duran offered to Barcelona

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Jhon Duran, the Colombian striker currently at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, is among the names recently proposed to Barcelona as a potential solution in attack.

Duran has previously been on Barcelona’s radar, with the club having tracked him more than a year ago as part of their long-term scouting of emerging forwards.

Despite this renewed mention at board level, Barcelona’s interest remains at an exploratory stage. Club sources quoted in local reports suggest that discussions have not progressed beyond initial enquiries, with no formal negotiations or concrete offer on the table.

Benfica move seen as more advanced

While Duran’s name has resurfaced in Catalonia, Portuguese side Benfica are currently viewed as the frontrunners to secure his signature.

The Lisbon club are said to be in a more advanced position than Barcelona, with their move for the Colombian described as significantly more concrete. This leaves Barcelona monitoring the situation from a distance while they prioritise their main target.

For now, Barcelona’s transfer strategy in attack hinges largely on whether they can unlock a deal for Alvarez. If Atletico Madrid stand firm, Deco and his team may be forced to turn more seriously to secondary options such as Duran or widen the search further in the market.

With pre-season preparations underway and major departures already confirmed, the coming week is shaping up to be decisive for Barcelona’s plans to reconstruct their forward line.