The powers that be at the Camp Nou have reportedly shifted their gaze from Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, conceding that prising the Argentine away...
The powers that be at the Camp Nou have reportedly shifted their gaze from Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, conceding that prising the Argentine away from the Spanish capital may prove a bridge too far in this summer's transfer window. However, the Catalan giants will not find their alternative path any less thorny. GoalZaza can exclusively confirm that Chelsea have now fixed a formidable asking price for their Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, a player who has recently been the subject of admiring glances from Barcelona's recruitment department. Joao Pedro, the 22 year old striker who has been plying his trade at Stamford Bridge since his move from Watford, is seen by the Blaugrana as a more attainable target given the financial constraints currently haunting the club. Yet the London club's valuation of the player is expected to test the resolve of Joan Laporta and his board. According to sources close to the negotiations, Chelsea are demanding no less than £20 million, which converts to approximately N32 billion at the prevailing N1600 to one pound rate. This is a sum that would require Barcelona to dig deep into their already depleted coffers. In the scheme of things, this development is one that will be watched keenly by Nigerian football enthusiasts, especially those who have followed the progress of the Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen, who has himself been linked with a move to the Premier League. Should Chelsea succeed in their valuation of Joao Pedro, it could potentially clear a path for Osimhen to make a statement move to Stamford Bridge, though the Nigerian international's own price tag from Napoli remains a mountain to climb. The lion's share of the transfer gossip in this window has centred around Osimhen's future, and a deal for the Brazilian may just be the catalyst that sets the dominoes falling. At the end of the day, Barcelona must decide whether to meet Chelsea's demands or look elsewhere. The Nigerian viewing centres in Surulere and the viewing centres in Ikeja will be buzzing with debate. Fans gathered around the big screens will be shouting themselves hoarse, arguing whether Joao Pedro is worth the money or if the club should instead break the bank for a proven African star like Victor Osimhen. The atmosphere will be electric, full of the passion and noise that only Lagos fans can produce, as they dissect every rumour and every transfer twist. For now, the ball is firmly in Barcelona's court. Whether they have the will and the wallet to play this game remains to be seen.
