Julian Alvarez is experiencing the most difficult period since he officially signed for Atletico Madrid. The Argentine striker's lack of goals under Diego Pablo Simeone has opened the debate in the Spanish capital, although it has not cooled the interest of a Barcelona side that still considers him the ideal player to replace Robert Lewandowski in the short term.

While in Madrid his goal drought is being analysed, in Barcelona the diagnosis is different: the former River Plate and Manchester City player fits perfectly into the profile of the modern striker that the club is looking for to lead its new attacking project.

Barcelona sees Alvarez as Lewandowski's heir

Barcelona compares a possible arrival of Julian Alvarez with the signing of Luis Suarez almost a decade ago. The Blaugrana board would be willing to offer 80 million euros in the summer of 2026 for a striker who they see not only as a proven goalscorer, but also as a versatile footballer compatible with the club's offensive philosophy.

The operation is gaining momentum given Lewandowski's contractual situation, as he is out of contract at the end of this season and already has interest from MLS, which would accelerate the need for a guaranteed replacement.

Atletico Madrid consider Argentine striker untouchable

It is not the first time that Julian Alvarez has appeared on the radar of Europe's big clubs. Just a few months ago, Manchester United and Liverpool were also linked with the striker, although from Atletico there has always been a clear message: he is the face of the sporting project and a player to be protected for the next decade.

Even in a complex economic scenario, the Rojiblancos consider the Argentine to be a strategic and indispensable asset for the future of the club.

Alvarez's goal drought is reflected in the numbers

So far, Julian Alvarez has 11 goals and five assists in 27 games this season. He has not scored officially since December 9, when he scored in Atletico's victory over PSV in the Champions League. In LaLiga, his last goal was back in November.

Despite this drop in performance and with the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, both in Madrid and Barcelona are confident that the Argentine will recover his best form in the short term.

Simeone publicly backs his striker

Diego Pablo Simeone maintains his confidence in Julian Alvarez and is expected to start him again this Wednesday against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

"The goal will come. I'm not worried because he has the goal," said the Argentine coach, convinced that his striker will once again be decisive. "He has to keep working with the stability he has at the club."