Barcelona’s hunt for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski has hit another setback after it emerged that rising star Emanuel Emegha is set to join Chelsea.

Earlier this week, Chelsea confirmed an agreement with their sister club Strasbourg that will see Dutch international Emegha move to Stamford Bridge for the 2026–27 season. The 21-year-old striker has signed a seven-year deal with the Blues after impressing in Ligue 1.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona sporting director Deco was also monitoring Emegha, viewing him as a potential successor to Lewandowski. However, Chelsea’s swift action has taken one of the most promising young forwards in Europe off the market.

Barcelona’s Striker Dilemma

Lewandowski, who turns 38 next summer, is entering the final year of his contract at Camp Nou. Despite scoring 40 goals last season, it is considered unlikely that Barcelona will extend his stay. The Catalan giants are already planning for life after their Polish talisman.

While a new No. 9 wasn’t a priority in the last transfer window, Barcelona have been keeping tabs on several strikers for the future. Emegha was one of them, alongside Manchester United’s new forward Benjamin Šeško—another target who slipped away.

Who’s Next for Barcelona?

With Emegha and Šeško unavailable, Barcelona’s list of potential Lewandowski replacements is shrinking. Names like Julián Álvarez have been linked, but prising such a high-profile striker away from Manchester City would require a huge financial push—something Barça have struggled with in recent years.

If the club fails to secure a marquee striker by next summer, the burden of replacing Lewandowski in 2026–27 could fall on Ferran Torres, who may be tasked with leading the line.