FC Barcelona is gearing up for a major summer shakeup, with a top-tier centre-forward at the top of their shopping list. As veteran striker Robert Lewandowski prepares to move on, the Catalan giants have zeroed in on two prime targets: Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez and Chelsea's Joao Pedro.

The chase for Alvarez, however, is proving tricky. Atletico Madrid are digging in their heels, unwilling to sell and even pushing for a contract extension. That's where Joao Pedro enters the spotlight as a more viable—and potentially more affordable—option.

According to recent reports, Barcelona expects the Joao Pedro deal to land somewhere between €80 million and €100 million. That price tag comes with considerable room for negotiation, a luxury that may not exist with Atletico, who are reportedly holding out for over €120 million for Alvarez—assuming the player even asks to leave.

Why the interest in Joao Pedro? Barcelona's director of football, Deco, has his eye firmly on the Premier League market, and the 24-year-old Brazilian checks all the boxes. He's not just talented; he's still young with plenty of room to grow, far from his peak years.

Barcelona sees a familiar blueprint here. They're using Raphinha's journey as a reference point—a player signed from Leeds United at 25, already a Brazil international and one of the Premier League's top right wingers. Raphinha has since blossomed at Camp Nou, delivering Ballon d'Or-worthy performances under Hansi Flick and becoming a club captain. Now, he's a key figure for Brazil ahead of his second World Cup.

Joao Pedro's trajectory mirrors that rise. After stints with Watford and Brighton, he's enjoying an impressive debut season at Chelsea, even amid the club's recent coaching turmoil following Enzo Maresca's dismissal. With his stock climbing fast, the Brazilian striker could be Barcelona's next big success story.