Atletico Madrid superstar could cost €140-150 million as Barcelona make transfer decision | OneFootball

As Robert Lewandowski moves closer to an exit from Catalonia, Barcelona are working hard to find a high-quality replacement who can serve in the long run.

Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has seen his name rise as a prominent target in recent days, but the dream has always been Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.

The World Cup winner, after all, has been considered to have the ideal profile needed to thrive in Hansi Flick’s system and is already well-versed in the Spanish league.

A red line with Alvarez

As relayed in a recent update by SPORT, Barcelona have made a decision on the signing of Alvarez and have decided that they will not enter a bidding war or auction for him.

Unaffordable. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

They have received information that it will likely be a pricey affair over €100 million, possibly in the range of €140 million to €150 million, and the club have no intention of digging so deep into their pockets. 

After all, they refuse to risk the club’s financial stability for the player despite rating him highly.

Joao Pedro the better option

As it stands, Barcelona’s focus is on Joao Pedro, and Deco has even travelled to meet the player’s entourage this week.

Joao Pedro is the new No. 1 target. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

A move for him, potentially for under €100 million, now appears to be Barcelona’s top priority as they see him as a better value for money option. Negotiations with Chelsea and the course they take will determine everything.

At a point where the club’s finances continue to be a matter of worry, Barcelona prioritise a quality signing over a big name.

Alvarez may indeed be the bigger name, but that is not Barcelona’s priority, and everything will depend on how negotiations with Chelsea proceed in the coming weeks.