Barcelona eye audacious move for Lionel Messi's teammate

Barcelona are reportedly considering signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as the permanent replacement for Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires in 2026. 

The 25-year-old striker only recently joined the Rojiblancos this summer from Manchester City and he has had a brilliant first season, with 27 goals under Diego Simeone's tutelage. 

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As is customary for democratic clubs like Barcelona, campaigning presidents usually run on a platform that promises a superstar signing. 

According to Marca, current president Joan Laporta and his expected opponent Victor Font are discussing Alvarez among their circles and could compete to make him their campaign-defining signing. 

However, such a signing is expected to be financially intensive, as, firstly, he is owned by a rival, and he signed a long-term contract which will not expire until 2030.

While his current market value is €90 million, a €15 million improvement from the reported €75 million Atletico Madrid paid City for his services, the Rojiblancos are expected to demand well over €100 million should the Blaugrana come calling.