Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has reportedly agreed to a move to Barcelona should the Catalan club successfully negotiate a transfer with the Blues, according to reports in the Spanish press. The news comes amidst speculation surrounding several Chelsea players potentially seeking moves elsewhere following a disappointing tenth-place finish in the Premier League and failure to qualify for European competition.
Barcelona are currently prioritizing a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, having offered €100 million (£86m) for the striker. However, with Alvarez potentially unattainable, the Spanish newspaper AS reports that Barcelona have identified Pedro as an alternative, with the Brazilian having ‘already agreed’ personal terms with the club. AS also suggests that interest from Barcelona could be a tactic to unsettle Real Madrid.
Pedro enjoyed a strong individual season for Chelsea, contributing 23 goals and six assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. Despite his positive impact, Chelsea’s lack of European football could prompt the player to consider offers from clubs competing at the highest level. The club finished tenth in the Premier League after a turbulent season that saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior dismissed as managers, with Calum McFarlane taking over in an interim capacity.
Despite Barcelona’s interest, Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea currently view Pedro as a “crucial part of the project” moving forward. Romano stated that Chelsea’s stance is to retain the player, particularly with the arrival of a new, ambitious coach in Xabi Alonso. Ben Jacobs further reinforced this position, claiming that Chelsea would not sell Pedro even in receipt of a world-record bid. These reports suggest Chelsea are determined to build around the Brazilian, despite the uncertainty surrounding the club's future. The situation remains fluid, but Chelsea appear resolute in their desire to keep Pedro at Stamford Bridge.
