Chelsea Transfer News Today: Joao Pedro stance confirmed as next manager plan revealed

5 May 2026 19:54 BST | 5 min read

Cameron Smith | Editor

FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours, speculation and gossip, including updates on Joao Pedro and Xavi.

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Joao Pedro to Barcelona truth

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona in recent weeks, with Hansi Flick’s side identifying him as a possible alternative to Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez.

The Brazilian has been a rare bright spark in a dismal campaign for Chelsea and only Erling Haaland (25) and Igor Thiago (22) have scored more than his 15 Premier League goals so far this season.

Current ETV

João Pedro

F (C)

Chelsea

João Pedro

F (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€64.1M - €78.4M

As a result, the Blues have no intention of sanctioning a sale, as per Fabrizio Romano. He told his YouTube channel: “Joao Pedro is highly appreciated by Barcelona and particularly by sporting director Deco, who has followed him since his time at Brighton & Hove Albion.

“He is undoubtedly a top striker and widely admired. However, Chelsea consider him a crucial part of their project. Despite Barcelona’s interest, Chelsea have no intention of letting him leave, especially during a challenging period for the club.

“Losing Joao Pedro this summer would send the wrong message, particularly after managerial changes and a difficult season. He is viewed as one of the club’s most important players, and Barcelona are fully aware of this stance.”

Chelsea add Xabi to next manager shortlist

Chelsea are targeting a move for Barcelona legend Xavi amid their pursuit of a new permanent manager this summer.

The Independent report that Chelsea want their next manager to reflect the ideology that has been built during BlueCo’s time in charge, and Xavi is understood to fit this profile perfectly.

Xabi Alonso, Francesco Farioli and Cesc Fabregas also align nicely with the identity Chelsea want to create, although the latter is currently unlikely to leave Como.

Xavi has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in 2024, but he is keen to return to management this summer and is understood to be open to joining Chelsea if he receives a suitable offer.

Anthony Gordon blow

Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon is on Chelsea’s radar ahead of this summer, however fellow suitors Bayern Munich remain the frontrunners to secure his signature.

The Bavarian giants want to bolster their forward line with the addition of the 25-year-old during the upcoming transfer window and they have now presented him with a “concrete” offer, according to Sky Germany.

Bayern want to tie Gordon down to a five-year contract and talks over a move to the Allianz Arena are expected to ramp up over the coming weeks.

Donyell Malen wanted

Chelsea are among the clubs keeping a keen eye on Donyell Malen amid his immense form since joining AS Roma in January.

The Dutchman has 12 goals in just 17 games for the Serie A outfit, since arriving from Aston Villa, and Chelsea are monitoring his progress ahead of a potential summer pursuit, as per Corriere dello Sport.

It’s reported that Barcelona, Manchester United and Newcastle are also interested in Malen, but Roma have no intention of sanctioning a sale.

‘Chelsea are broken’ - Carragher

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has been a vocal criticiser of Chelsea’s project under BlueCo and he once again ripped into the west London giants following their 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday.

“It’s shocking, and it comes from the top; that’s where it starts from,” Carragher told Sky Sports. There are five or six really top players on that pitch, and they’ve just been beaten by Nottingham Forest’s B team.

“When you think, less than 12 months ago, they were taking PSG to the cleaners. I mean, there’s no connection between the players and the staff, the players and the supporters. And you know what, in some ways it’s a good thing, it tells you that football isn’t just about spending and buying players, and a revolving door. It’s about creating something together; something special.

“There’s absolutely nothing there, and all you can say is that this football club is broken.”

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