Barcelona will consider a move for Chelsea striker Joao Pedro if a deal to sign Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez does not materialise, according to reports in Spain.
Barcelona's Striker Search
The Catalan giants have made Alvarez their first-choice transfer target to replace Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season. Alvarez has scored 48 goals in 104 appearances for Atletico since signing in 2024, but his long-term future in Madrid appears in doubt, with Diego Simeone confirming several clubs are interested in the Argentine.
"I just suppose it is normal," Simeone said on Tuesday. "He is an extraordinary player. There is interest from Arsenal, Paris St Germain, Barcelona and other teams. But it is nothing we are concerned about."
However, given the competition for Alvarez's signature and the potential fee involved, Barcelona have drawn up alternative options to bolster their front line in the summer. According to Cadena SER, Joao Pedro is a name under consideration by the current La Liga leaders.
Joao Pedro as Alternative
"Joao Pedro is a clear alternative to Julian Alvarez," presenter Sique Rodriguez said on Tuesday. "He is a player that Barca likes a lot. He is not the only one."
The Brazilian forward has enjoyed a solid first season at Stamford Bridge since signing from Brighton for £60 million last summer. Joao Pedro has scored 19 goals in 46 appearances and impressed last weekend as the Blues punched their ticket to the FA Cup final with a 1-0 win over Leeds United.
Expert Opinion
Speaking earlier in the season, former Premier League striker Troy Deeney, who played alongside Joao Pedro at Watford, said the Brazilian could well end up attracting attention from the two biggest clubs in Spain.
"If Chelsea start competing both in the Champions League and in the Premier League, he will be part of that vehicle," Deeney told talkSPORT. "When you look at the Brazilian national team, it's not as strong as some of the teams we've seen over the years so he will look at that and say 'Yes I can do that (get in the team)'. I think if he does well for two years there, Real Madrid and Barcelona will come knocking and Chelsea have a model of buying young and selling on for more than what they paid for."
Barcelona's interest in Joao Pedro underscores their need for a reliable goalscorer to lead the line next season. With Lewandowski's departure imminent, the club is exploring multiple avenues to ensure they remain competitive in La Liga and Europe. Whether they can secure Alvarez or turn to Joao Pedro will depend on negotiations and the player's willingness to move.
