Barcelona Moves to Finalize Joao Pedro Deal Amid Alvarez Situation Watch

Barcelona continues to work on securing an offensive alternative for the Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, as the sports management aims to strengthen the front line before the new season kicks off.

The Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo' reported that the sporting director Deco traveled to London with Bojan Krkic and scouting official Joao Amaral to advance negotiations for the Brazilian Joao Pedro, Chelsea's forward, who has become one of the prominent names considered by the Catalan club.

Barcelona's move towards Joao Pedro coincides with its continued interest in signing the Argentine Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid's striker, alongside the Englishman Harry Kane from Bayern Munich, among the offensive options the club is considering to eventually replace Lewandowski.

The Spanish newspaper explained that Deco had previously followed Joao Pedro closely during the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 16, a match Chelsea lost 1-0, and he also held a meeting with the Brazilian player's agent at that time.

Joao Pedro's agent arrived in London from Brazil to hold meetings with Chelsea's management and Deco amid Barcelona's growing interest in the 24-year-old striker, especially as the Julian Alvarez deal becomes more complicated at present.

Barcelona's management believes that the Joao Pedro deal might be less costly than signing Julian Alvarez, as estimates within the club suggest the deal could be completed for slightly over 70 million euros, despite Chelsea's insistence on retaining the player and not wanting to sell him.

Conversely, Barcelona has set a financial ceiling of up to 100 million euros for signing Julian Alvarez, amid anticipation of the player's final stance with Atletico Madrid, especially after 'Marca' reported his rejection of a renewal offer from the club.

Mundo Deportivo also indicated that Barcelona is waiting for a clearer step from the Argentine striker to pressure Atletico Madrid by informing his club's management of his desire to move to Camp Nou only, which might push the Madrid club into direct negotiations.

Barcelona is also considering including Ferran Torres in any deal to reduce the financial cost, especially since the Spanish player's contract has only one season left, while all scenarios remain open for the Catalan management to finalize the new striker's file.