FC Barcelona are exploring options to sign Julian Alvarez this summer but is the Argentine way out of budget for the Catalans?

FC Barcelona would face a significant challenge in signing Julián Álvarez next season. (Image credits - FMT, License Details)

FC Barcelona are looking for strikers in the transfer market to replace Robert Lewandowski this summer, and one of their top targets is Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid. The Catalans are fully aware that signing the Argentine won't be easy, as Atletico won't let him leave without giving a strong fight to the La Liga champions.

As per reports by Spanish journalist Matte Moretto, signing Alvarez would cost between €100m and €130m, which is quite challenging for Barça considering their financial condition over the years. Atlético Madrid have no intentions of selling Julián Álvarez, as he's one of the key players in Diego Simeone's project and was one of the most prolific goalscorers for the club this season. The Rojiblancos are also working behind the scenes to extend the contract of the 26-year-old and make him one of the “untouchables” of the squad.

Alvarez is also quite content at Atletico Madrid, and he's settled in the city perfectly. Therefore, agreeing on personal terms would be challenging too, as the player isn't looking for a move away from the club next season. If the Argentine forward wanted to leave, he would've announced it to his teammates and the coach much before to prepare for the next season without him, but he hasn't done that yet, which means he's likely to stay in Madrid next season as well. On top of that, no club has approached Atletico to sign Julian yet.

FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are both interested in signing Julian Alvarez, but his price tag and the unwillingness of the club to sell him would make the operation quite challenging for any club, especially for Barça, as they're still struggling financially and they have spent just €88m in the last two seasons, the lowest amongst the top clubs in Spain. Signing Alvarez is a priority for the Catalans, but his hefty price tag indicates that the Argentine will remain in Madrid next season.

What is FC Barcelona's "Plan B" for Julián Álvarez?

FC Barcelona have started exploring other options instead of Julian Alvarez, as signing the Argentine will be quite complicated this summer. One of the names that has emerged in the Barça camp is Chelsea forward João Pedro. As per reports, the club's sporting director, Deco, has travelled to London to meet the Brazilian forward’s agents over a potential transfer this summer.

The Catalans feel that Pedro would be a cheaper alternative to Alvarez, and the operation would be easier as Chelsea are on the verge of missing out on European football next season. The Brazilian international has impressed this season despite the team's off form, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. Lots of transfers are also set to take place at Stamford Bridge this summer, as the club will go through a complete overhaul as a new manager is set to be appointed.

Joao Pedro is FC Barcelona's backup option for Julián Álvarez.(Image credits – Heute; licence details)

As per Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, the 24-year-old is aware of Barça’s interest and would be open to a move to the Spotify Camp Nou. Pedro has grown up supporting the club and has a soft spot for the La Liga champions, as he's seen his Brazilian icons like Ronaldinho and Neymar Jr create history for the Catalan giants. The Brazilian is also keen on playing in the Champions League, which is a far-fetched dream for Chelsea now.

However, this deal won't be any less complicated than the Julian Alvarez deal. Chelsea consider Pedro a crucial part of their sporting project and do not want to let him leave next season, especially because he arrived last year from Brighton. The London giants will not make it easy for Barcelona to sign him and would demand a fee of at least €100m. 

Barcelona had contacted the Brazilian last month, but the player had refused to hold any talks then as he was focused on finishing the season with Chelsea and securing his place in Brazil’s 25-man World Cup squad next month. However, the player's party and the club officials are expected to hold further talks this month and get to an understanding, as Chelsea’s valuation is still quite high for the Catalan giants to afford.