Barcelona's summer transfer plans have taken a dramatic turn, with the Catalan giants now setting their sights on Chelsea's star striker Joao Pedro as their top attacking target.

For months, Manchester City's Julian Alvarez was considered the priority, but recent developments have forced Barcelona to reassess their options. The club has reportedly learned some harsh realities about the feasibility of signing the Atletico Madrid forward, leading to a strategic pivot.

According to Globo Esporte, Barcelona sporting director Deco is eager to meet with Joao Pedro's agent soon. After establishing initial contacts, Deco is now working to build a solid foundation for what promises to be a lengthy summer negotiation.

The Brazilian striker has been nothing short of sensational since joining Chelsea, netting 20 goals across all competitions this season. With veteran striker Robert Lewandowski expected to depart, Barcelona desperately needs a proven goalscorer who can deliver consistent production up front.

However, there's a significant catch. Chelsea views Joao Pedro as one of their most valuable assets and is reluctant to sell. The Blues' resistance means the total package could reach €100 million including bonuses—a far cry from the €70 million figure previously reported. This price tag makes the Brazilian hardly a budget-friendly alternative to Alvarez.

Given Chelsea's struggles in mid-table this season, they're unlikely to part with one of their brightest stars. That's precisely why Deco is moving quickly to establish personal connections with the player, knowing he'll need Joao Pedro's active push for a transfer if Chelsea digs in their heels.

The coming weeks will be crucial as Barcelona works to convince both club and player that a move to Camp Nou is the right next step for this rising South American talent.