Barcelona sporting director Deco refuses to rule out a move for Chelsea‘s João Pedro in the summer.
Robert Lewandowski’s decision to leave the Camp Nou will force the La Liga winners to sign a new striker.
Barcelona have the Chelsea star to their target list, which also includes Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez.
The Argentina international has been the main target but Los Rojiblancos aren’t reportedly willing to sell him to a rival.
In recent days, Hansi Flick’s side are focusing on Pedro and Deco met with his agent in London last week.
On Wednesday, Sport Witness relayed news that Barcelona gave up on Alvarez and made the Brazil international as the No.1 target. There’s belief his price won’t exceed €100m after the latter’s omission from the World Cup squad.
Deco asked about to Chelsea and Atlético stars
Barcelona organised a party for winning the title at Casanova Beach Club in Castelldefels on Wednesday.
Deco, along with other Camp Nou officials, joined the players in the celebration and the club honoured Robert Lewandowski at the dinner.
Several reporters, who were waiting outside the restaurant, spoke to the sporting director and Mundo Deportivo have relayed his comments.
He praised the Polish striker before explaining the importance of finding his successor.
“Today is a somewhat sad day because Robert’s departure is now official,” he said.
“It’s almost impossible to replace Robert. He’s been the best striker of recent years, and everything he’s done at Barca in these years is very difficult to replicate, but that’s football.
“Ferran arrived as a winger and has become a true number 9, but now it’s time to make decisions and start strengthening the team.”
When journalists specifically asked about Julián Alvarez or João Pedro, Deco explained: “It’s not about profile. We’re not ruling anyone out, nor are we signing anyone.”
“These [fair play] are internal matters. What we have to guarantee is that we’ll work as we do every year. We’ve lost a very important player like Robert, and of course we’re going to try to strengthen the team.”
Chelsea may have decision to make
Deco not ruling out a potential move for João Pedro [or Julián Alvarez] will only fuel more transfer links.
This indicates Barcelona have a keen interest in the 24-year-old and they could probably approach the Blues in the summer.
If that were to happen, Chelsea will have to make a decision on whether or not to sell the striker, who managed 20 goals and nine assists this season.