Xabi Alonso is arriving at Chelsea at time when one of their best players, Joao Pedro, is attracting strong interest from Barcelona.
Alonso is set to be announced as the new Chelsea manager, with the Spaniard agreeing a four-year deal with the club.
Meanwhile, Pedro is being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after catching Barcelona’s attention this season.
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Xabi Alonso tells Chelsea not to sell Joao Pedro to Barcelona
Earlier this month, it was reported that Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is working on signing Pedro. However, his plans are about to be thrown out of the window.
According to Sport, Alonso does not want Pedro to be sold, or at least not before being able to have a look at him and the rest of Chelsea’s squad.
The Blues only signed Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, but a move to Barcelona could be tempting.
They are an even bigger club than Chelsea and are performing much better than their English counterparts.
Barcelona have just won the La Liga title again under Hansi Flick and will be in the Champions League next term. Chelsea will not be.
Joao Pedro one positive from Chelsea’s season despite quiet FA Cup final
Pedro was unable to help his side lift silverware at Wembley on Saturday, with Chelsea losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
By his high standards, he had quite a disappointing game. Despite playing 86 minutes, Pedro only managed to register one shot, as per Sofascore.
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Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City
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However, overall, Pedro has had a brilliant campaign, hence Barcelona’s interest. Across all competitions, the Brazilian has scored 20 goals.
Fifteen of Pedro’s goals have come in the Premier League, so the 24-year-old has delivered for Chelsea when it has mattered most.
It is no surprise that Alonso is not in a hurry to get rid of Pedro, and you would now expect the Brazil international to remain in west London this summer.
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