Barcelona intensify chase for Chelsea striker Joao Pedro | OneFootball

Barcelona are ramping up efforts to lure Chelsea forward Joao Pedro away from Stamford Bridge as they seek a long-term successor to the ageing Robert Lewandowski.

After a stellar debut season with the Blues, in which Pedro has netted 23 goals and provided six assists for Calum McFarlane’s men across all competitions, Barcelona now view him as the shrewdest option on the market.

While Julian Alvarez remains the dream target, Atletico Madrid’s financial demands have forced Barca to accelerate their pursuit of Pedro, whom they believe could be prised away this summer.

However, having invested heavily to bring him from the South Coast just last summer, Chelsea view Pedro as central to their rebuilding project.

With a contract running until 2033, the Blues hold significant leverage, though their absence from next season’s Champions League could provide Barcelona with an opening to unsettle the player and force a move.

From a tactical perspective, the ‘magnificent’ Joao Pedro, who Liam Rosenior believes is on the same level as Harry Kane, Erling Braut Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, embodies everything Barcelona are seeking in their forward line.

Unlike a traditional number nine, Pedro thrives in the build-up, regularly dropping deep to link play or drifting wide to exploit space.

His physical profile and relentless intensity are said to be highly attractive to Hansi Flick, who wants a more mobile, high-pressing attack to complement the creativity of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Whether Barcelona can navigate their ongoing financial constraints to land the Chelsea forward remains to be seen, but the intent from Catalonia is clear: Joao Pedro is the player they want to lead their line into a new era.