Joao Pedro is prepared to push for a sensational move from Chelsea to Barcelona after emerging as the Catalan giants’ preferred replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Per [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20260519/1004185142/joao-pedro-barca-quiere-primera-opcion.html), Joao Pedro made it clear he would jump at the chance to join Barcelona, with talks already underway between the player’s representatives and the La Liga champions.
Barca sporting director Deco is said to have held discussions with Joao Pedro’s camp over the past few weeks.
They had initially prioritised Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in the Argentine has complicated any potential pursuit.
That has reportedly forced the Blaugrana hierarchy to pursue their interest in the Chelsea ace instead.
The 24-year-old only joined [Chelsea](https://footballtoday.com/2026/05/19/chelsea-2-1-tottenham-santos-strike-keeps-blues-european-hopes-alive-as-spurs-remain-in-danger/) last summer and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most important attacking players during a difficult campaign.
Joao Pedro scored 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, often carrying Chelsea’s blunt frontline during long stretches of inconsistency.
Reports in Spain suggest Chelsea would demand around €100 million to consider selling the Brazil international, whose contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2033.
Joao Pedro’s representatives are expected to formally inform Chelsea of Barcelona’s interest in the coming weeks.
The striker is believed to be hugely attracted by the prospect of playing at Camp Nou, having grown up idolising Ronaldinho and Neymar.
His relationship with fellow Brazilian Raphinha is also viewed as a factor that could help sway any negotiations in Barcelona’s favour.
Still, there are major doubts over whether Barcelona can realistically finance a deal of this magnitude.
The Catalans remain trapped in a difficult economic situation despite recent improvements, and a €100m transfer would stretch their already fragile finances to the limit.
Barcelona have repeatedly struggled to register players and stay within La Liga’s financial regulations, so committing such a colossal fee for one forward looks risky.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are unlikely to entertain the idea easily.
Despite missing out on the Champions League, the Blues finally found a reliable scorer in Joao Pedro after years of wasting fortunes on underperforming forwards.
Selling him after his first season would be unthinkable. Unless Barcelona produce an extraordinary financial package, Chelsea hold most of the power in this situation.