FC Barcelona has reportedly set its sights on Chelsea forward João Pedro as an alternative to Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. However, a transfer for Pedro seems likely to prove complicated.
According to consistent reports from Spanish newspapers *Mundo Deportivo* and *Sport*, the Catalan club has decided to shift its focus away from the Argentinian World Cup winner for the time being. Those in charge at Camp Nou have apparently come to the realization that signing the Atlético star this summer could prove too difficult. However, the hunt for another top-tier talent is well underway and is now leading to the Premier League.
Chelsea striker Pedro has reportedly become the top priority for the heavily indebted traditional club. Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has reportedly already initiated concrete discussions for the Brazilian international.
While the 1.86-meter forward possesses a completely different playing style to Alvarez, Barcelona is convinced that the prolific goalscorer could offer the club a great deal. The key consideration in their internal deliberations: Pedro was initially considered significantly cheaper compared to the package that would be required for Alvarez. According to *Mundo Deportivo*, initial tentative contacts between the parties occurred in mid-April.
Chelsea Unwilling to Sell Pedro
However, according to the English publication the *Daily Mail*, a transfer this summer is nearly impossible. The Blues reportedly have ‘zero interest’ in letting their current top scorer depart after just one year.
While Catalan media optimistically claim that Barcelona anticipates being able to secure a deal for around 70 million euros, the reality at Stamford Bridge appears different. Chelsea, according to *Mundo Deportivo*, has little desire to part with the Brazilian for a transfer fee in that range. The Londoners’ valuation for the goalscorer, whom they consider one of their absolute best players internally, is much closer to 100 million euros.
Deco Likely Traveling to London
Part of the problem for Barcelona could also be the fact that the club was reportedly willing to pay up to 100 million euros for Alvarez. Chelsea is therefore well aware that Barcelona is financially capable of exceeding the rumored 70 million euros.
To fuel the negotiations, sporting director Deco has reportedly arrived in London on Friday. After weeks of contact with the player’s agent, Deco’s primary objective is now to sit down directly with Chelsea’s management to understand their stance on a potential transfer.
The Blues are playing in the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday, which is why Pedro’s agent has also traveled to watch the game live in the stadium. A crucial factor in the transfer negotiations could also be whether Chelsea will play in the Champions League next season, which is highly unlikely.
If they miss out on the elite European competition, the Londoners might be under greater pressure to sell players to balance their finances. For Pedro, not qualifying for the most important European competition would be another reason to push for a move.
João Pedro: 23 Goals in 51 Games for Chelsea
The numbers underscore that Chelsea will not let their goalscorer leave without a fight: the forward only moved to London last summer for around 64 million euros and has no release clause in his long-term contract until 2033 at Stamford Bridge.
In 51 competitive appearances for Chelsea to date, the Brazilian has scored 23 goals and provided six assists.