Barcelona have turned their attention to Chelsea forward Joao Pedro as their primary target to bolster their attack, according to reports in Catalonia. This change in strategy comes amid growing difficulty in securing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, with Paris Saint-Germain also heavily linked with the Argentine.
Barcelona identified Alvarez as their preferred number nine last summer and have consistently expressed their interest in the player. However, Atletico Madrid have publicly stated their unwillingness to sell, and are reportedly holding out for a fee exceeding Barcelona’s established budget of €100 million. Recent reports indicate that PSG are prepared to exceed that figure, further complicating any potential deal.
MD reports that Barcelona are now prioritizing a move for Pedro, believing a deal could be finalized for around €70 million this summer. Globo Esporte in Brazil, via Marca, suggests Barcelona are actively working on a deal for the Brazilian, though they estimate the fee could be closer to €100 million. Chelsea’s potential failure to qualify for the Champions League could influence the final price, potentially lowering it, and Barcelona are keen to complete any deal before Pedro participates in the upcoming World Cup with Brazil.
Joao Pedro offers a different profile to Alvarez, providing a more physical presence and aerial threat in the box, qualities Barcelona reportedly value. His ability to link play is also seen as a positive attribute. However, Pedro’s goalscoring record does not yet match that of Robert Lewandowski, and he is relatively inexperienced at the highest level, having only recently begun competing in the Champions League with Chelsea. The 24-year-old has earned eight caps for Brazil, indicating his growing international recognition.
Securing Pedro would provide Barcelona with a different attacking option, although his overall output has yet to reach the levels of the prolific Lewandowski. This shift in focus highlights the challenges Barcelona face in the transfer market and their need to adapt their strategy to secure crucial reinforcements for the upcoming season.
