Barcelona ‘highly appreciate’ 27-year-old forward with 22 goals this season – report

Barcelona ‘highly appreciate’ 27-year-old forward with 22 goals this season – report

FC Barcelona seem to be close to throwing in the towel in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

Heading into the summer, the Argentine international had been identified as the priority target to strengthen the No. 9 position by the Blaugrana.

But with growing complications in pursuit of the 26-year-old, the newly-crowned La Liga champions are exploring other options in the market.

Victor Osimhen well-liked at Barcelona

In that context, The Athletic reports that Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is a player who is ‘highly appreciated’ at Barcelona.

Barcelona like Victor Osimhen. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old Nigerian international has been a consistent source of goals wherever he has played in Europe and is enjoying another productive campaign in Turkey.

Indeed, Osimhen has racked up 22 goals and eight assists from 33 matches this season, with seven of those goals coming in the UEFA Champions League.

At 27, the former Napoli striker is also in the theoretical peak years of his career as well, making him an attractive option for Barcelona.

However, with his contract running until the summer of 2029, a deal for Osimhen will not come cheaply.

Joao Pedro the No. 1 priority

Joao Pedro – Barcelona’s new No. 1 target. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

At the same time, as reported earlier, Barcelona, for now, have made Chelsea and Brazil forward Joao Pedro as their No. 1 priority for the summer.

The 24-year-old striker is seen as an ideal fit for the project by the Catalans’ sporting director Deco, and as such, a move for him has now taken top priority at Can Barça.

Pedro, who has scored 20 goals and registered nine assists for the Blues this season, is expected to cost around €100 million, including bonuses.