Barcelona transfer news: La Liga champions 'eye' £56m-rated striker as Robert Lewandowski successor

Barcelona have reportedly identified a three-player shortlist for this summer as they look for a Robert Lewandowski replacement.

The Blaugrana were beneficiaries of the Polish striker's four-year spell between 2022 and 2026, during which he scored 82 La Liga goals in 132 appearances, with 119 strikes coming in 191 games.

Lewandowski, 37, won three La Liga titles during his time in Spanish football, as well as a Copa del Rey crown and three Supercopa de Espana victories.

However, his imminent departure will create a void in the Barca dressing room that has to be filled ahead of next season.

Lewandowski replacement: Barca reportedly want £56-valued world class star

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have added Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane to a shortlist that includes Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez and Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.

The Blaugrana are believed to have earmarked a substantial €100m (£86.4m) budget to land a world-class No. 9 ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Alvarez has emerged as the primary target for the hierarchy, with the 26-year-old Argentina international previously hinting at a potential exit from Madrid despite holding a contract until 2030.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Joao Pedro has gained prominent support internally as a viable alternative option, though Chelsea are currently reluctant to enter into any transfer negotiations.

The pursuit of Kane — valued at €65m (56m) by Transfermarkt — represents the most difficult operation on the table, given the 32-year-old just secured a domestic double in Germany, although he has about 12 months left on his Bayern contract.

According to Transfermarkt, the Englishman's value

Alvarez, Joao Pedro or Kane: Which signing makes the most financial sense for Barcelona?

While securing Alvarez would provide Hansi Flick with a dynamic and versatile forward perfectly suited to his high-pressing philosophy, the Spanish champions could face intense competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who are reportedly willing to launch a €150m (£129m) package, alongside Premier League heavyweights Arsenal.

Should the club fail to trigger a breakthrough for their primary choices, the recruitment team will be forced to activate a secondary list of alternative targets later in the window.

Getting Kane out of Bayern may be tricky, even if he has one year left on his deal in Bavaria, while the England international may be keen to try again for the Champions League for one more season with the Bundesliga giants.

For Joao Pedro, a clearer path is evident, even if reports indicate that Chelsea are unwilling to do business.

The Blues' lack of Champions League football for next season could open the door for the player to seek a move elsewhere, with European football not guaranteed for the London outfit next season, though they head into the final matchday eighth in the Premier League table.