Barcelona Linked With World-Class Forward in Potential Blow to Marcus Rashford

Barcelona have been linked with a move for a world-class forward, it has been reported.

Hansi Flick's side are currently unbeaten across their five La Liga matches so far this season, winning four and drawing one.

The club were not significantly active during the summer window in terms of incomings, with only goalkeeper Joan Garcia and young winger Roony Bardghji arriving on permanent deals.

Barca also completed a loan move for Marcus Rashford, which will last until the end of the season with an option to buy.

Rashford has started life in Spain strongly, netting a brace in Barca's 2-1 Champions League win over Newcastle.

He was demoted to the bench for their 3-0 win over Getafe after arriving two minutes late to training, as per The Athletic.

His punishment did not last long and he was brought off the bench after half-time before assisting Dani Olmo for Barca's third goal.

Flick has repeatedly praised Rashford throughout his time in Spain so far and reports suggest the German is hopeful he can become a key part of the team.

The 27-year-old's arrival helped Barca with squad depth in forward areas, which would have otherwise been exposed if Lamine Yamal and Raphinha were to be unavailable.

As it is, Rashford, Bardghji and Ferran Torres have all deputised for Yamal during his current absence due to a back injury.

According to The Athletic, Barca are now turning their attention to the centre forward area.

Robert Lewandowski leads the line for Les Cules and netted 42 goals in all competitions last season, but the Pole turned 37 in August and it remains to be seen for how long he will operate at the elite level.

It is claimed that Barca have already identified Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as a potential replacement.

Those links have been fuelled by Hugo Rafael Varas, who was Alvarez's first football coach.

He claimed to Argentine journalist Emiliano Nuna that Alvarez is not 'comfortable' at Atletico under the management of Diego Simeone.

Furthermore, he admitted that the former Manchester City star is a Barcelona fan and would happily join the club if the opportunity arose.

"I don't see him comfortable at Atletico," Varas said (via Mundo Deportivo). "I think he's played too many games on the sidelines. He's never played in the position he should be playing.

"I know he's told his family that he's thinking about the team, he thinks he plans to play and do well, and his goal is to continue being the national team's No. 9. Today, Atletico is a team that defends a lot and attacks little.

"I think at some point there will be a change ... someone just told me he should go to Barcelona. He would leave because he's always been a Barcelona fan. I would like him to play for Real Madrid."

The club's pursuit of Alvarez may affect whether Barca decide to make Rashford's loan move permanent, given their financial issues over recent seasons.

Barca can sign the 27-year-old from Manchester United for £26.2 million but reports suggest they want to drive down that price further.