Barcelona set to poach Premier League star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
Barcelona are reportedly set to launch a shock bid for a Premier League star as Robert Lewandowski's replacement this summer.
Lewandowski, who turns 38 at August, is out of contract at Camp Nou next month.
There has been no definitive announcement surrounding his departure, but it is beginning to look increasingly uncertain as to whether he will stay at Barcelona.
Polish outlet SportoweFakty reported on Wednesday that Lewandowski had received a contract offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal worth a staggering €90 million per season.
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Barca were linked with Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez last summer but elected not to sign any direct competition for the Polish striker, with Ferran Torres already at the club and loan arrival Marcus Rashford able to play up front.
There are question marks over the futures of all three of those players, however.
ESPN claimed in March that Barca will 'listen to offers' for Ferran, while Rashford is currently set to return to Manchester United unless a permanent deal can be struck between the two clubs.
It has been claimed that the Spanish giants and La Liga champions want to sign two strikers to cover for possible departures.
Barcelona identify Lewandowski replacement
Now, according to Brazilian outlet Globo, Barca have identified Chelsea striker Joao Pedro as their top priority for the summer transfer window, along with their existing interest in Alvarez.
It is claimed that sporting director Deco wants to enter talks imminently with the 24-year-old ahead of the World Cup, and is planning to hold 'formal meetings' with his entourage next week.
Chelsea have had another nightmare season but Joao Pedro has been one of their few bright sparks, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
He was a key player for the Blues particularly under Liam Rosenior's management, and Rosenior praised his performances on a number of occasions while in charge.
The Brazilian missed two games through a muscle injury last month but has since returned to action, and has been named in Brazil's 55-man preliminary squad for the World Cup by head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
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Pedro spent nine months with Fluminense as a senior professional but has otherwise spent his entire career in English football, having agreed to sign for Watford when he was 17 before officially making the move to Vicarage Road a year later.
He joined Brighton for a club-record £30 million fee in 2023 before an initial £55m move to Chelsea last summer.
Topics: FC Barcelona, Chelsea, La Liga, Transfers
Ryan Smart