Barcelona's summer transfer plans are taking a decisive turn, with sporting director Deco making a crucial trip to London to accelerate the club's pursuit of their top striker target. The Blaugrana have identified Chelsea's Joao Pedro as the priority candidate to fill the No. 9 role, shifting focus after complications emerged in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.

Deco's trip to the English capital involves high-stakes meetings with the Brazilian forward's representatives over the coming days. The timing couldn't be more strategic, as the sporting director is also expected to attend Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley, where Chelsea faces Manchester City. With Joao Pedro likely to feature prominently, it presents a perfect opportunity for Deco to scout the 24-year-old in action.

The operation has been conducted with remarkable discretion inside the club, reflecting Barcelona's cautious approach in the transfer market. With financial constraints requiring patience and flexibility, the Blaugrana are keen to move early and meticulously, avoiding the pitfalls that have hindered previous negotiations.

There's even speculation that Deco could hold face-to-face talks with Joao Pedro himself during the visit, a sign of Barcelona's determination to secure their man. Within the sporting department, there's strong confidence that the Brazilian perfectly aligns with Hansi Flick's vision for the team.

Barcelona sees Joao Pedro as a modern striker who combines mobility with technical quality, creativity in link-up play, and a natural goalscoring instinct. His age and development potential make him particularly appealing, positioning him as the ideal candidate to become the club's next long-term No. 9.

While Deco maintains admiration for Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid forward has become increasingly difficult to sign in recent weeks. Ironically, Joao Pedro would require a similar level of investment, with the total cost expected to be comparable to what Alvarez would have commanded. Before making such a significant move, Barcelona must first create salary space, adding another layer of complexity to what promises to be a defining transfer window for the Catalan giants.