That's according to local journalist Rulo Fuentes, with Barca eager to find a long-term successor for veteran centre-forward.
Fuentes revealed on Radio Marca: "The favourite and number one is no longer a secret. Julián Álvarez is liked.
"The president likes him, the sporting director likes him, the coaching staff likes him, and even the dressing room likes him.
The journalist, however, tempered his claims by reminding that the signing won't be easy and that “many things have to fall into place for Julián to wear the Barça shirt next season".
Fuentes explained that the transfer would require several conditions: that Barça comply with LaLiga's 1-1 financial tiebreaker rule, that Atlético Madrid be willing to negotiate, and that the player himself be open to a change of scenery.
In any case, he made it clear that the Argentine is the striker who most excites Barca management: "He's the ideal profile and the playing style that would suit him best among top European teams."