La Liga
FC Barcelona is already planning its strategy for the summer transfer market of 2026 and has two names in mind: Julián Álvarez from Atlético de Madrid and Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan.
The Barcelona board plans to invest up to 180 million euros to reinforce both the front line and defense, aiming to rejuvenate its core.
Alessandro Bastoni, top priority to strengthen the defense
The departure of Íñigo Martínez to Saudi Arabia left a noticeable gap in defense. Although Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen have tried to cover the left side, neither offers the natural profile sought by Hansi Flick.
In this context, Alessandro Bastoni emerges as the key bet. The Italian, with over 200 appearances in Serie A and a European champion with the Italian national team, has become one of the most sought-after left-sided center backs on the continent.
According to El Nacional, Deco has placed Bastoni at the top of the list, and Barcelona is preparing 80 million euros to persuade Inter. "He's expensive, but he would make history alongside Pau Cubarsí," stated a Barcelona executive to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Julián Álvarez, the successor to Lewandowski
In attack, the priority lies in signing Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward has yet to settle at Atlético de Madrid under Diego Simeone, and his secondary role could pave the way for an exit.
Barcelona, aware that Robert Lewandowski is approaching the end of his elite career, sees Álvarez as the perfect heir. The board led by Joan Laporta is already preparing an offer of 100 million euros to secure the former River Plate and Manchester City player.
Álvarez brings experience in the Champions League, titles with the Argentine national team, and versatility to play as a '9' or second striker. His style aligns with the aim to bring dynamism and high pressure back to Barcelona's attack.

The technical department's plan is clear: surround Cubarsí in defense and ensure a reliable successor to Lewandowski. Until 2026, Barcelona has options like Koundé, Eric García, or Christensen, but the goal is to have Bastoni as a defensive pillar.
In attack, the commitment to Julián Álvarez aims to regain scoring prowess in crucial moments. "With Julián, we can envision a new offensive cycle," state sources from the board.
With a total investment of 180 million euros, the Catalan club aims to make a statement in the market and compete strongly for the Champions League from the 2026-27 season onwards.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Barcelona prepara 180 millones para Julián Álvarez y Bastoni
