Barcelona line up Vlahovic and Julian Alvarez as top targets to replace Lewandowski

Barcelona have identified Dusan Vlahovic and Julian Alvarez as top transfer targets for next summer (h/t ESPN).

Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires at the end of the season. Everything points to him leaving the club, with Barca keen on signing his successor.

The 37-year-old has experienced a notable decline in his physical level and form this season. Ferran Torres has moved ahead of him in the striker’s pecking order.

The Polish international wants to continue for one more season, but Barca want him to take a significant pay cut and accept a secondary role to sign a short-term extension.

However, Lewandowski is unwilling to make a financial sacrifice as he has lucrative offers on the table from Major League Soccer and Saudi Arabia.

His wages are a sticking point for Barca, given their long-standing financial woes. His departure could ease their financial burden.

Vlahovic’s contract at Juventus expires at the end of the season. He will be available as a free agent as the Italian giants have no plans to extend his deal.

The Serbian has bagged only six goals and two assists in 17 games this season. He has been sidelined with an adductor injury since last month and is expected to return in March.

The former Fiorentina star hasn’t lived up to his full potential since his move to Turin, which begs the question of whether he can cut it in manager Hansi Flick’s demanding system.

Alvarez is Barca’s dream target, and they have been monitoring his situation closely for a long time.

Although initially considered a far-fetched target, the Argentine is now open to leaving Wanda Metropolitano if Atletico fail to win silverware this season.

Despite a terrific start to this season, Alvarez’s form has nosedived. He has now gone 10 matches in La Liga without scoring.

The 2022 World Cup winner’s contract expires in 2030, and Atletico will demand a hefty fee to part ways with him in the summer.