Barcelona is preparing for the summer transfer window aware that Robert Lewandowski is likely to exit the club. The Polish striker was offered a one-year contract extension but has attracted more lucrative offers abroad, with Juventus leading the chase.
The club has targeted Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid but faces challenges completing that deal. Consequently, alternatives like Rafael Leao from AC Milan have been considered. Milan values Leao at around €50 million.
Although Leao is reportedly open to a move to Catalonia and the transfer has president Joan Laporta's approval, the wider club membership is not particularly excited by the prospect. Leao's stats are strong—80 goals and 65 assists in 290 appearances for Milan—but they fall short compared to the demands of replacing Lewandowski or competing with Raphinha on the wing.
As a result, Leao is seen mainly as a fallback should Barcelona fail with Alvarez. This situation highlights the club's cautious approach to recruiting in attack, factoring in multiple possibilities to maintain competitiveness next season.
It shows Barcelona is balancing ambition with market realities, aiming to ensure the squad remains solid even amid major roster changes.
