Barcelona’s summer rebuild is already beginning to take shape, and replacing a legendary goalscorer has quickly become the club’s biggest priority.
With Robert Lewandowski confirmed to be leaving at the end of the season, the Catalan side are now fully focused on finding the next striker to lead the attack.
The club had spent months looking at Julian Alvarez as the ideal long-term successor, but that deal has become increasingly complicated.
Interest from Paris Saint-Germain, along with Atletico Madrid refusing to lower their valuation, has pushed Barcelona to look elsewhere.
That has now led them to a new priority target.
Joao Pedro has reportedly emerged as Barcelona’s first-choice option to replace Lewandowski, with talks already progressing.
The Chelsea forward is understood to be very interested in making the move, with Mundo Deportivo claiming he sees Barcelona as a dream destination.
Growing up watching Ronaldinho and Neymar, the Brazilian has long admired the club and views the opportunity as one he cannot afford to miss.
He also shares a strong connection with Raphinha, which could help smooth his adaptation should the transfer go through.
Sporting director Deco has already been in contact with the player’s representatives, with initial discussions beginning in April and further conversations taking place in recent days.
Although Deco travelled to London over the weekend and attended the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, he reportedly did not meet Joao Pedro directly.
The striker’s camp is now expected to open discussions with Chelsea to gauge the club’s position.
Chelsea are unlikely to make negotiations straightforward, especially with Pedro tied down until 2033.
Reports suggest a fee of around £85 million may be required to tempt Chelsea into a sale.
Barcelona are aware that figure is steep, but they believe missing out on next season’s Champions League could influence Chelsea’s stance and potentially force difficult decisions.
For now, the Blaugrana have identified their new priority, and Joao Pedro’s willingness to make the move may give them a major boost heading into a crucial transfer window.
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