Barcelona pushing to sign treble-winning forward alongside Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford

Barcelona’s dream target this summer remains Julian Alvarez, talkSPORT understands.

Barca sporting director Deco has been holding meetings regarding the World Cup winner since January, underlining the Spanish giants’ interest.

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The feeling is very much mutual, as Alvarez is understood to have made it clear he wants to join Barcelona should they agree a fee with Atletico Madrid for the 26-year-old.

How much do Atleti want for Alvarez?

Atleti are currently asking for more than what Barcelona paid when they signed Antoine Griezmann in 2019, which was an eye-watering €120million (£104m).

An opening bid for the striker is expected.

Alvarez is fresh off a season in which he netted 20 times in 49 games across all competitions for Diego Simeone’s side.

He joined Atleti in August 2024 from Manchester City, where he won the treble, and has gone on to score 49 goals in 106 appearances.

Alvarez’s potential exit would leave Atleti with another hole to fill in their attacking unit following Griezmann’s switch to Major League Soccer side Orlando City.

Griezmann was officially announced as an Orlando player in March but wouldn’t link up with the Floridian outfit until July after Atleti’s season had wrapped up.

Who else are Barcelona hoping to sign this summer?

As for Barcelona, the mooted signing of Alvarez would be the latest chapter in what is expected to be a busy summer.

The reigning LaLiga champions are closing in on Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, with the two clubs reaching an agreement in principle.

Gordon is expected to join in a deal worth a guaranteed £70m plus add-ons.

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talkSPORT understands he is flying to Barcelona today and expected to sign a five-year contract.

The winger’s impending switch to Barcelona comes as a bitter blow for Bayern Munich, who had verbally agreed terms on a five-year contract with Gordon.

Gordon’s imminent arrival is also not expected to take away from Barcelona’s pursuit of Marcus Rashford, as talkSPORT understands manager Hansi Flick wants to sign both players.

Barcelona have a €30m option to buy but are keen to negotiate terms or explore a second loan.

The club intends to hold fresh talks with Manchester United prior to the World Cup over signing Rashford.

Personal terms have already been agreed between Barcelona and Rashford, who spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan in Catalonia.

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The 28-year-old has scored 14 goals and got 14 assists in 49 appearances this season and wishes to stay in Spain.

Rashford, who has made Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, has no future at Old Trafford despite his strong form, and United’s preference is to get his wage off the books.

Adding to the Red Devils’ desire to sell Rashford is the fact his wages have risen by 25 per cent following the club’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.