Fresh reports from Catalonia suggest that Barcelona are making frantic moves to land a long-term successor to the departing Robert Lewandowski this summer. Sporting director Deco has also jetted into London with club legend Bojan Krkic and Barca scout Joao Amaral as the trio look to speed up the Catalan giants’ pursuit of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.
The 24-year-old Brazilian has enjoyed a stellar first season at Stamford Bridge since his summer 2025 move from Brighton, scoring 20 goals and laying on nine assists in all competitions this season. However, Deco’s first choice was not Pedro. The Blaugrana initially targeted Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, but a valuation north of €120 million for the Argentine made that pursuit a herculean task.
Sources at Barcelona now believe the Brazil international, who is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033, is the most realistic option to revitalise their attacking line. Deco himself played down earlier reports of meetings with the player’s camp in a recent media engagement, saying:
“I didn’t go to see Joao Pedro; you are all mistaken.”
But sources within the Barcelona hierarchy have pushed on, and Chelsea are said to be demanding close to €100 million to even consider opening negotiations for the Brazilian.
Chelsea Hold Firm Stance on Joao Pedro Sale Amid Persistent Barcelona Interest
The West London club have made their stand on Joao Pedro emphatic despite constant overtures from Barcelona during this period. Incoming boss Xabi Alonso is understood to want to make Pedro a key part of his rebuild, but transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has stressed the Blues won’t listen to offers regardless of the money involved.
Chelsea’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League could make matters worse, with the Blues likely to have to trim their huge wage bill in the coming months. But Pedro, crowned Chelsea’s Player of the Season recently, was deemed too important to lose at this delicate stage of the rebuild by the club hierarchy.
But for Barcelona, the financial issues continue to be a thorny issue going into the window. The Catalans have apparently set a €100 million ceiling for the striker role and are considering an instalment deal.