OFFICIAL NOW: Player finally arrived in London to pen down 4yrs contract with Arsenal on a free transfer, Mikel Arteta new signing Confirmed as announcement will be done tomorrow morning
Four seasons ago, when Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, despite the player being well into his thirties, it looked like a proper gamble. Sitting here in 2026, it is safe to say the decision has proved an enormous success.
It was not easy to make such a brave call, especially considering the financial situation Barcelona found themselves in at the time. Making each signing was like going to war, and they desperately needed every one of them to succeed.
Most have, but all good things come to an end. Lewandowski is 37 and in the final few months of his Barcelona contract. He has shown signs of slowing down, and it is time for the club to look at a long-term replacement.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 02: Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on December 02, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Julian Alvarez appears earmarked to lead Barcelona’s line in the future. However, as per a report from ESPN (h/t SPORT), the Catalan club is expected to be rivalled by Arsenal, who are also interested in the Argentinian number nine.
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have a connection through Andreas Berta, now with the Gunners after a long stint in Spain with the Madrid club. He is keen to give Mikel Arteta the ex-Man City forward.
Arsenal recently signed Viktor Gyokeres, but the Swede has struggled to settle in the Premier League. Despite the presence of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, the Gunners could still dip into the market for another striker.
Should Barcelona be dragged into a bidding war, it is highly unlikely they will be able to land Alvarez. Even Atletico might prefer to sell him abroad rather than to a direct rival, and we will have to wait and see how these negotiations play out.
