Barcelona’s search for Julian Alvarez alternative hits immediate roadblock as Chelsea declare striker untouchable | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for attacking reinforcements has suffered a significant setback after Fabrizio Romano dismissed suggestions that Chelsea forward Joao Pedro could emerge as an alternative to Julian Alvarez.

The Catalan club continue to prioritise Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid have repeatedly insisted the Argentina international is not for sale. 

With president Joan Laporta admitting Barcelona will eventually move on if negotiations fail to progress, reports in Spain linked Joao Pedro with a possible switch to Camp Nou.

Romano, however, says that scenario is not realistic.

According to the transfer specialist, Barcelona sporting director Deco remains a long-time admirer of the Brazilian and wanted to sign him during his time at Brighton. 

Deco likes Joao Pedro. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

That appreciation still exists, but it has not changed Chelsea’s position, and the Premier League club has no intention of entertaining offers.

Chelsea make position on Joao Pedro crystal clear

Romano reports that Chelsea consider Joao Pedro an untouchable member of Xabi Alonso’s squad and have no plans to listen to bids, regardless of their value.

That position effectively ends speculation over a possible move to Barcelona this summer.

While Spanish reports suggested the 24-year-old could become a fallback option if Alvarez remains out of reach, Romano insists those claims do not reflect Chelsea’s thinking.

For the London club, Joao Pedro is simply not on the market.

Barcelona’s striker search becomes complicated

Joao Pedro is untouchable at Chelsea. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Barcelona transfer plans have revolved around Alvarez for much of the summer, but Atletico Madrid have remained firm throughout the saga.

Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin recently criticised Barcelona’s public pursuit of the striker, while Laporta acknowledged the club will not wait indefinitely for the situation to change.

That has naturally led to speculation over alternative targets, with Joao Pedro’s name among those mentioned because of Deco’s long-standing admiration for the player.

However, the aforementioned update removes another option from the equation.

It does not necessarily mean Barcelona will immediately switch to a different target, but it forces the reality that many of Europe’s elite forwards are either unavailable or protected by clubs unwilling to negotiate.