Joao Pedro has 'already agreed' Barcelona transfer

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has “already agreed” to join Barcelona this summer, according to reports in Spain.

The Brazil striker, who was surprisingly omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad, has scored 23 goals and provided six assists since his arrival at Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion last year, and his form has attracted the attention of Barcelona officials amid their pursuit of a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Current ETV

João Pedro

F (C)

Chelsea

João Pedro

F (C)

Chelsea

€77.9M

ETV Range

€70.2M - €85.7M

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Pedro has been heavily linked with a Camp Nou switch for over a month, although rumours of a move have died down in recent weeks, with Chelsea confirming that he is not for sale this summer as they prepare for their first season under new boss Xabi Alonso.

It’s understood that Pedro is one of seven ‘untouchables’ at Stamford Bridge - alongside Reece James, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, Josh Acheampong, Estevao Willian and Cole Palmer - and a move to Barcelona is therefore expected to be out of reach.

However, Spanish outlet AS claim that Pedro has “already agreed” to join Hansi Flick’s side this summer. It’s reported that he has been earmarked as their primary alternative to Julian Alvarez, who is Barca’s first-choice Lewandowski replacement following an excellent stint at Atletico Madrid.

Alvarez has reportedly set his sights on completing a move to Camp Nou during the upcoming summer transfer window, although the Blaugrana are currently unwilling to increase their first offer of €100 million, which was quickly rebuffed by Atleti.

Their pursuit of the Argentina international has been complicated by Real Madrid’s recent €150m bid for his signature, while Arsenal are also monitoring Alvarez’s situation closely as they look to significantly bolster the forward options at Mikel Arteta’s disposal ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Joao Pedro set to stay at Chelsea

Although it has been reported that Pedro has agreed terms with Barcelona, he still has seven years remaining on his current contract at Chelsea and he is set to stay at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future following an excellent debut season in west London.

Pedro is expected to retain his place as Chelsea’s preferred striker under Alonso next term, although he could face competition from Nicolas Jackson, who has been tipped to return to the club in pre-season following his loan spell at Bayern Munich in 2025-26.

Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha will also arrive at Chelsea in July, while the future of Liam Delap remains uncertain following a hugely underwhelming first campaign with the Blues.