Barcelona continue to be strongly linked with a move for Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and now, it has been reported in Spain just how much a deal could possibly cost.
Pedro has been a rare shining light in a dismal season for Chelsea, scoring 23 goals since he arrived from Brighton for £60m last summer. But without European football, Pedro might pursue a summer transfer.
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He cost £60m a year ago…
The Blues’ defeat to Sunderland on Sunday saw Chelsea miss out on both Europa League qualification and a place in the Conference League. It leaves Chelsea in a tricky position when it comes to bargaining.
Deco, Bojan and a Barcelona scout travelled to England today in an attempt to orchestrate a deal with Chelsea. It is unclear if they enjoyed any success in those talks, but clearly, there was encouragement.
Joao Pedro price tag emerges as Barcelona eye Chelsea ace
Chelsea are unwilling to sell Pedro this summer. Xabi Alonso joined with the likely promise that Chelsea would keep their best players, but with the Blues no longer in Europe, that promise is hard to keep.
Especially when clubs like Barcelona star calling. Indeed, Deco would not have made the trip had he received some encouragement from someone close to a potential deal, perhaps Pedro’s representatives.
Chelsea v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
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Now, the real stumbling block. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, a deal for Pedro could reach £86m (€100m) – or thereabouts. However, that plays into Chelsea’s hands; Barcelona can’t afford him.
With Pedro boasting a contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2033, the ball is in Chelsea’s court. Even if they are pressured into a sale given they lack the funds that come with Europe, it is still Chelsea’s choice.
If Pedro is sold, would he be Chelsea’s most-expensive sale?
Nevertheless, an £86m fee will certainly tempt those at Stamford Bridge. It would give Chelsea plenty of wiggle room in the transfer market and allow Xabi Alonso to bring in two or three players that suit him.
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An £86m deal would be Chelsea’s second most-expensive sale, behind Stamford Bridge icon Eden Hazard after his move to Real Madrid for £130m. It saw Madrid pay an initial £88m, and £42m more in add-ons.
Kai Havertz was Chelsea’s second-biggest sale, with the Germany star joining Arsenal. That would see an exit for Pedro rank second in Chelsea’s biggest departures, but surely, Chelsea would rather keep him.
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