Joao Pedro has become Chelsea’s more important attacker and is now attracting the interest from one of Europe's biggest clubs.
The Brazilian only arrived at Stamford Bridge from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer but his £60 million move might be one of the Blues' best pieces of business in recent years.
His 20 goals this season, although not leading to silverware, certainly provided positivity during a period of turmoil which saw Liam Rosenior sacked after just 104 days in charge.
Unsurprisingly, Pedro's form has caught the eye of Barcelona, who are searching for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski following confirmation this season will be his last at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona huge admirers of how Joao Pedro plays
According to TEAMtalk, Barcelona sporting director Deco is a huge admirer of Pedro and views the Chelsea attacker as somebody capable of leading the Catalan giants' line.
The report claims the 29-time La Liga champions love Pedro’s versatility, technical quality and ability to operate both centrally and from deeper attacking areas; something Lewandowski has done consistently, and to the highest standard, for years.
Pedro, who still has seven years left on his contract at Chelsea, has never looked like a traditional number nine, and although that raised concerns early on, it's has become undeniably clear that he's a top class centre forward.
The 24-year-old is more than comfortable linking play, drifting into wider areas and creating space for others while still carrying a genuine goal threat himself.
Barcelona are believed to have already initated early conversations with Pedro's agents.
Xabi Alonso will have the final say
The most interesting part of TEAMtalk’s report, however, is that Barcelona are keen to wait to understand exactly how important Pedro will be under the incoming Xabi Alonso before they decide whether or not to pursue a deal.
Alonso — taking on a managerial and sporting director hybrid role — is determined to bring in a proven goalscorer, and should a new arrival push Pedro down the pecking order, fans will expect Barcelona to go all out to lure him away from Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona's interest in Pedro has intensified in recent weeks after it became clear signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid is likely to be too complicated. This development has paved the way for Champions League finalists Arsenal and PSG to go head-to-head for the Argentine.
Chelsea's failure to qualify for the Champions League next season is the reason why they're not also in the mix for Alvarez.
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Follow