Barcelona are actively searching for a long-term center forward ahead of what is widely expected to be Robert Lewandowski's departure when his contract expires this summer. Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez sits at the top of sporting director Deco's wishlist, according to sources familiar with the club's planning.

Lewandowski, 37, has scored 115 goals in 179 appearances since joining from Bayern Munich in 2022. Club executives plan to assess performances over the remaining months of the season before making a final decision, but internal succession planning is already underway.

Barcelona's senior decision-makers believe Alvarez, 26, is open to joining the club, and sources indicate the Catalans expect to be in a financial position to submit a credible offer to Atletico. However, Atletico have no pressing reason to sell. The Argentina international is contracted through 2030 and carries an estimated market value of €112-130 million per the CIES Football Observatory.

Bayern Munich's Harry Kane represents the other top-tier option identified internally, but Barcelona sporting director Deco is reluctant to invest heavily in players over 30, making the 32-year-old England captain an unlikely target.

Players in a secondary tier under consideration include Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen and Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, both 27. No concrete steps have been taken on either front.

Internal options exist but carry uncertainty. Ferran Torres has scored 16 times in 35 games this season but just once in La Liga since the start of 2026, and manager Hansi Flick substituted him in the 64th minute of a Copa del Rey semi-final in which Barcelona desperately needed goals. Torres is also entering the final 15 months of his contract with no renewal offer made.

Club sources also suggest Dani Olmo could function as a false nine, an idea that influenced his signing from RB Leipzig in 2024, though Flick has not deployed him there this season due to injuries forcing Olmo into other roles.

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is viewed as a wide forward rather than a central striker, and Barcelona remain committed to making his loan permanent regardless of how the No. 9 situation resolves. Sources indicate the club intends to pay the €30 million purchase option in three annual installments of €10 million.

Barcelona's financial situation is improving. Club treasurer Ferran Olive stated recently the club is "€12 million away from entering the 1:1 rule" under La Liga's salary limit system, adding: "Barca are in a condition to sign a top striker next summer. In fact, I can say the club is actively looking for it."

Presidential elections on March 15, with incumbent Joan Laporta the frontrunner, have slowed definitive decision-making. Sources say the club prefers to wait for clarity on leadership before advancing transfer negotiations.