Barcelona have identified Chelsea forward Joao Pedro as a potential alternative signing should they fail to secure a deal for primary target Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid this summer, according to reports from Cadena SER. The Catalan club are actively seeking a long-term successor to veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and have drawn up a shortlist of candidates, with the 24-year-old Brazilian now under consideration.
Joao Pedro joined Chelsea from Brighton last summer for a fee reported to be €63.7 million and has enjoyed a strong debut season at Stamford Bridge. In 46 appearances across all competitions, he has registered 19 goals and nine assists, establishing himself as a key component of Chelsea's attack. Barcelona's interest is reportedly driven by his versatility, pace, and ability to combine with teammates, attributes that fit their desired profile.
The primary focus for Barcelona's sporting department remains Alvarez, but negotiations with Atletico Madrid are complex. This has necessitated the exploration of other options. Cadena SER also reports that Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez, a player long admired by Barcelona, remains a name that could be discussed if a move for his international teammate Alvarez proves impossible. Martinez has scored 20 goals for Inter this season.
Any move for Joao Pedro would present significant financial hurdles. The forward signed a long-term contract with Chelsea upon his arrival, with seven years still remaining on his deal. Given his age and the initial investment, it is believed Chelsea would demand a fee in excess of what they paid, potentially approaching €100 million. Similarly, Martinez is under contract until 2029 and, as a club captain and marquee player, would command a colossal transfer fee.
Barcelona's financial situation, while improved, means such an outlay would require careful planning. The club's leadership, however, reportedly believes a major striker signing is feasible this summer. The pursuit underscores the club's intention to secure a high-calibre centre-forward to lead their line for the coming years, with Lewandowski's role expected to diminish. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Barcelona can land Alvarez or if they are forced to pivot to alternatives like Joao Pedro or Martinez.
