Key Takeaways
- Barcelona are actively seeking a new striker to replace ageing forward Robert Lewandowski.
- Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and Inter’s Lautaro Martinez have emerged as costly alternatives to priority target Julian Alvarez.
- Both Pedro and Martinez would likely cost the Catalan club close to €100 million.
Barcelona are exploring options for a new centre-forward as Robert Lewandowski’s time as the club’s main striker appears to be ending. The Polish veteran seems unlikely to remain the first-choice option at Camp Nou next season.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has now entered the conversation as a potential signing. According to Cadena SER, the Catalan giants have placed the Brazilian on their shortlist should negotiations for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez fail to produce an agreement.
The 24-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Brighton last summer for €63.7 million. During his debut campaign with the Blues, he has found the net 19 times and created nine goals across 46 appearances. Managers appreciate his quick pace, tactical flexibility, and skill at combining with fellow attackers.
However, securing his signature would prove difficult. Pedro recently signed a seven-year contract with the London club, suggesting Chelsea would demand a substantial profit on their original investment.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez serves as another alternative for the Blaugrana. The Argentine international, who plays alongside Alvarez for his country, has scored 20 goals in 36 matches this season. Barcelona have monitored the 28-year-old for several years.
Nevertheless, prising Martinez away from San Siro presents significant obstacles. He currently serves as club captain and remains tied to Inter until 2029. The Italian side would require a massive transfer fee, particularly if they also lose defender Alessandro Bastoni during the same window.
Football experts believe Barcelona must prepare offers approaching €100 million to land either Pedro or Martinez. Earlier interest in Levante’s Karl Etta Eyong and Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani has diminished, though Victor Osimhen continues to feature in discussions. Separately, the club are holding talks with Manchester United regarding a second loan spell for Marcus Rashford, though they hope to negotiate down his €30 million purchase option.