Barcelona are already laying the groundwork for life after Robert Lewandowski, and it looks like the club has zeroed in on a top candidate to eventually lead the line at Spotify Camp Nou. According to reports from SPORT, the Catalan giants are seriously considering a move for Chelsea's Joao Pedro as part of their long-term attacking overhaul.
The Brazilian forward has emerged as one of two leading names on Barcelona's shortlist, alongside Manchester City's Julian Alvarez. This comes as the club faces the inevitable need to replace the 36-year-old Lewandowski, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season. While Lewandowski has been a prolific force since joining in 2022, Barcelona are thinking ahead—and Joao Pedro fits the bill.
Despite Chelsea's inconsistent form this season, Joao Pedro has consistently shone. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the versatile attacker has developed into a player who can operate centrally while also creating chances around the box. His adaptability makes him an intriguing option for Hansi Flick's system, which demands movement and creativity from its forwards.
Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, has been tracking Joao Pedro closely for some time. The former Barcelona midfielder has watched the Brazilian live on multiple occasions during trips to England and is convinced the 23-year-old has the right profile to thrive under Flick. Beyond the pitch, Barcelona also sees strong commercial potential in the Brazilian—a factor that could boost his overall value to the club.
According to the report, contact has already been made between Barcelona and Joao Pedro's representatives. Discussions have been ongoing over the past few weeks as the Catalan side explores whether a deal could be financially viable. One key advantage for Joao Pedro is his expected price tag compared to Julian Alvarez. While Atletico Madrid would reportedly demand a massive fee for the Argentine striker, the Chelsea forward could become available for a lower amount—though the Premier League side won't let him go cheaply.
As Barcelona prepares for a new era in attack, Joao Pedro's blend of skill, versatility, and marketability makes him a compelling option. Whether the club can pull off the deal remains to be seen, but the groundwork is clearly being laid.