Barcelona forward target calls Pedri ‘the best in the world’ | OneFootball

The search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski has been ongoing at Barcelona, and one name has consistently stood out on their shortlist – Julian Alvarez. 

The Argentine striker is viewed internally as a player who could lead the line for years to come, especially as the club prepare for the eventual transition away from Lewandowski.

Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez is well known, but any serious move will depend heavily on the situation surrounding their current No. 9. 

If Lewandowski leaves, the club would free up a significant portion of their wage structure, creating space under La Liga’s financial rules. 

That scenario would allow Barcelona to operate under the 1:1 spending rule again, giving them the flexibility to pursue a major signing.

A tricky situation

In such a case, Alvarez would move to the top of the list. However, the club is also aware that the operation would not be straightforward. 

Atletico Madrid have maintained that the striker is not for sale, and any negotiation would likely involve a high transfer fee. 

Alvarez has hailed Pedri. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Despite Atletico’s official stance, the player’s own feelings could play a role. Reports suggest that Alvarez has not been entirely comfortable at his current club, and a summer departure cannot be ruled out if the right opportunity arises. 

As such, Barcelona are closely monitoring the situation while also keeping alternative options on the market in case a deal proves impossible.

A nod to Pedri

In the middle of all this, Alvarez has delivered a subtle nod towards the Catalan side through his praise of one of their key figures, Pedri. 

During a conversation with streamer Davoo Xeneize (h/t SPORT), the Argentine did not hold back when speaking about the Barcelona midfielder’s quality.

When asked about the best players in the world, Alvarez made his admiration clear, saying, “For me, Pedri, without a doubt, is one of the best players in the world.”

The comment may seem simple, but in the context of Barcelona’s interest, it adds intrigue to the story.