-
News
- 35 minutes ago
Chelsea stunned by Joao Pedro exit threat
Cameron Smith
- 24 Mar 2026 12:05 GMT
- 4 min read
C
Barcelona sporting director Deco has reportedly contacted the representatives of Joao Pedro as he eyes a potential summer deal for the Chelsea forward.
Pedro, 24, joined the Blues from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee of €63.7 million last July and he has been a revelation since his arrival in west London, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.
Current ETV
João Pedro
F, M, AM (C)
Chelsea
João Pedro
F, M, AM (C)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€64.6M - €79M
His form has attracted the attention of scouts across Europe and Barcelona have solidified their interest in his signature ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
That is according to Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips, who claims that Deco has called Pedro’s agent in an attempt to gauge the possibility of a transfer amid their pursuit of a new centre forward this summer.
The Blaugrana have identified Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as their top target for 2026, but Pedro has reportedly been earmarked as a potential alternative for the Spanish outfit. However, the Brazil forward hasn’t given any indication to suggest he would like to leave Chelsea this summer.
Verdict: Joao Pedro unlikely to leave Chelsea
Although Barcelona are reportedly interested in bringing Pedro to Camp Nou as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, Chelsea are extremely unlikely to sanction a sale.
The Brazil international still has seven years remaining on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, following his arrival last summer, and he has established himself as an integral player for the Blues since the appointment of Rosenior.
In fact, when asked if the 24-year-old should now be considered ‘world-class’ earlier this month, Rosenior told reporters: “I think Joao’s in that category now. Consistently, during the two months that I’ve been here, he’s shown that level. He’s a world-class striker.
“I wouldn’t swap Joao for anyone in this moment to be honest, because he’s showing all of the things and all the attributes I want to see in my No.9.”
As a result, a sale is unlikely to be permitted, especially as Chelsea are already reportedly eager to offload Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson this summer.
Football transfer news headlines today
Transfer Rumours: Man Utd move '100% decided' as €350m bid breaks the market
Exclusive: Tottenham told to get back to 'real football' by club legend
Exclusive: Cole Palmer receives Man Utd transfer verdict
Exclusive: Arsenal receive Sandro Tonali transfer warning
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Vinicius Jr contract, Enzo Fernandez latest, Spurs next manager
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
