After Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland deemed unaffordable, Barcelona show interest in signing in-form striker monitored by Chelsea: Reports

Barcelona have reportedly turned their attention to Chelsea target Joaquin Panichelli after seeming the duo of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez as being out of their reach. The Spanish giants are in the market for a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski in the long-term, and have several names on their list.

A report from La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Barca Universal) has revealed that Panichelli is a target for the Spanish giants after his blistering start to life as a Strasbourg player. The 23-year-old striker is on the wishlist of several clubs, including Chelsea and AC Milan, as he appears set for a big move in the near future.

Panichelli joined Strasbourg, Chelsea's sister club, in a €16 million deal from Alaves in the summer after spending the 2024-25 season on loan at Mirandes. He has proven to be more than an able deputy to Stamford Bridge-bound Emanuel Emegha in France, scoring ten goals in 13 appearances for the club.

Barcelona have identified the need for a younger striker to replace Lewandowski, who at 37 is the only out-and-out striker on their roster. Hansi Flick's side have looked into deals for Haaland and Alvarez, but are aware of their own financial limitations and have stepped away from the possibility.

Argentine youngster Panichelli will have joined Strasbourg in the hopes of moving to a bigger club such as Chelsea in the future, and he could get his opportunity in 2026. The Blues have their eyes on him and are at the front of the queue, but the number of strikers on their books could lead Panichelli to seek a move to Barcelona, instead.

Barcelona set to beat Chelsea to teenage sensation: Reports

Barcelona are closing in on a deal to sign highly-rated Portuguese youngster Cardoso Varela ahead of Chelsea, as per reports. The Spanish giants are one of many sides keen on the 17-year-old Dinamo Zagreb winger, and they appear to have struck a deal for his services.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Hansi Flick's side will pay an initial €5 million for the young forward with a further €20 million in add-ons. He will be able to move to the Nou Camp once he turns 18, as per the terms of the agreement between both clubs.

The Blues had been linked with the teenage sensation, having been known to target the world's finest young players in recent years. They will take solace in the numerous other talents on their books while Varela, who has played nine senior games for Dinamo Zagreb, will hope to continue his development in Spain.

Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen