News Focus
- Barcelona must sign a new striker before next season starts
- Chelsea’s new manager Xabi Alonso can stop João Pedro from leaving
- Robert Lewandowski will exit the club when his contract ends this summer
- Julian Álvarez was the first choice but a deal looks impossible
- Chelsea want around €100 million for the Brazilian attacker
Barcelona urgently need to find a new centre-forward. The Catalan club has made this their top priority for the summer transfer window.
At first, they targeted Julian Álvarez from Atletico Madrid. That transfer now seems too difficult to complete. Because of this, the team has switched its focus to João Pedro at Chelsea.
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, flew to London in April. He held meetings with the player’s representatives to discuss the potential switch.
The main problem is Chelsea’s appointment of Xabi Alonso. The Premier League side confirmed last weekend that the Spaniard will take charge this summer. Alonso will have the final word on all player sales.
Barcelona worry that the new coach will reject their approach. Alonso previously managed Real Madrid, the club’s fiercest rivals, and the Catalans fear he will block the deal.
Chelsea are demanding approximately €100 million for the 23-year-old forward. This high fee creates another serious obstacle.
The situation is urgent because Robert Lewandowski is leaving. The Polish striker’s contract expires at the end of the season. Barcelona must find his replacement quickly.
If deals for both Álvarez and João Pedro fail, Deco must identify new targets. Whoever arrives will face the tough task of filling Lewandowski’s boots.