Barcelona pivot away from Gyökeres, set sights on Julián Álvarez as Lewandowski’s long‑term heir
Barcelona have abandoned their pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres—now on the verge of joining Arsenal—and will not table a late bid, according to El Nacional.
President Joan Laporta has decided that no major outlay will be made at centre‑forward until Robert Lewandowski’s contract ends in 2026. With Financial Fair Play constraints biting, the immediate priority is shoring up the defence, strengthening the flanks and possibly replacing goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny if he departs.
Looking ahead, Laporta’s preferred successor to Lewandowski is emerging: Julián Álvarez. The Argentine, thriving on loan at Atlético Madrid after leaving Manchester City last summer, has impressed Barça with his relentless work‑rate, sharp finishing and seamless fit with the club’s possession style. Still only 25, Álvarez is viewed as the ideal long‑term No. 9—capable of matching Lewandowski’s leadership in the box while still carrying significant growth potential.
For now, Lewandowski will remain the main striker next season, with Ferran Torres as his understudy, while Barça channel resources into right‑back, centre‑back and other urgent gaps.
