Barcelona admit blockbuster striker targets are now impossible to sign – report | OneFootball

Barcelona have accepted defeat in their attempts to sign both Julian Alvarez and Joao Pedro, forcing the club to completely rethink their attacking plans for the summer transfer window.

According to SPORT, the Blaugrana hierarchy appear to have made peace with the fact that both operations are practically impossible under the current market conditions. 

That reality has pushed sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick towards alternative options as they continue searching for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Robert Lewandowski.

What’s the story?

For weeks, Barcelona had focused heavily on bringing in a new number nine capable of leading the line in Flick’s new project. 

Julian Alvarez, in that regard, remained the absolute priority target and efforts were made to explore a possible deal with Atletico Madrid.

Julian Alvarez will not come cheap. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The Argentine forward is open to leaving Atletico and even informed the club that he would welcome discussions if an important offer arrived. 

However, Barcelona discovered that Atletico’s financial demands made any realistic agreement almost impossible.

The report also claims that Alvarez himself may now be considering staying in Madrid for another season before revisiting his future later down the line. 

What about Joao Pedro?

The Joao Pedro operation has followed a completely different path but with the same disappointing outcome. 

The Blaugrana really admire the Brazilian’s profile, while the player himself would be interested in joining a more stable Champions League project.

Chelsea do not want to sell Joao Pedro. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

However, Chelsea have made it clear that the striker is simply not for sale. 

The London side view the Brazilian as untouchable, with Barcelona being informed that no offer would be considered at this stage. 

Whether the figure is €100 million or even €150 million, Chelsea have no intention of opening discussions.

That situation has naturally frustrated Barcelona, especially because there was optimism that the player himself could help push for a move if the Catalan side fully committed to the operation.

As a result of these events, the club has now decided to seriously pursue Anthony Gordon instead.