It will be very interesting to see how Chelsea approach this summer transfer window. Claims have been made that they are planning a significant summer rebuild. But at the same time, there has to be a recognition that they won’t have a huge budget to work with. There is not going to be any Champions League football. Who knows what the front-of-shirt sponsor situation is? And they were also handed a fine by UEFA last year, and the club continue to be monitored.
So, Chelsea will need to be very smart when it comes to their transfer business this summer. That includes letting a few of their current players leave.
It looks like Chelsea are open to the departure of players like Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella for the right offer. But on the other hand, there has been a lot of talk about Joao Pedro potentially heading to Barcelona as well.
It is very clear that Barcelona are very interested. That is not a secret. But Chelsea do not seem to be willing to consider an exit at this moment. Fabrizio Romano said while talking about the situation on his YouTube channel:
“Then he said he knows very well the camp of Joao Pedro. So this was the answer of Deco when asked about Joao Pedro. ‘Did you go to England to close Joao Pedro?’ The answer was I know Pedro’s camp very well.
“I told you already Deco really wanted to sign Joao Pedro when he was at Brighton but was not possible and Chelsea were very good smart and fast to sign Joao Pedro but what I can tell you is that at the moment Chelsea stance remains we want to keep Joao Pedro. Chelsea message remains Joao Pedro is a crucial part of the project.
“So that’s the stance of Chelsea and you can imagine after a tough season, without European football and with a new coach. ambitious coach like Xabi Alonso, Chelsea have all the intention to keep the player at the club. So, it’s going to be difficult for Barcelona to break this wall for Joao Pedro.”
Barcelona interest in Joao Pedro confirmed
That does confirm Barcelona’s interest in Pedro. And that is mixed news if you are a Chelsea fan. It does seem like the club are determined to keep him. But that being said, it is possible for the player’s head to be turned by Barca.
Great Brazilian players like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar have played for Barcelona over the years. It would be very natural if Pedro wants to don the same jersey someday.
Also, it has been made pretty clear that Xabi Alonso wants to work with those who want to remain at the club. So, if Pedro starts pushing to leave, that might end up opening the door to a move.
Chelsea will only let Pedro go for the right offer though. And I am uncertain that Barcelona are in a position to make that kind of bid.
Why Chelsea should not entertain idea of Joao Pedro exit
For the first time since Diego Costa, Chelsea have a striker who has scored consistently. The Brazilian had 23 goals and nine assists across all competitions. Even more impressive when you consider that he did not take any penalties.
Now, I am not going to overboard with praise. Pedro has his shortcomings as well. He is someone whose form has blown hot and cold.
Also, Pedro simply has not been able to stamp his mark on big games. Since the Club World Cup final against PSG, he has not scored against any elite team. That needs to change.
But at the end of the day, he is the best option available to Chelsea right now. And the Blues cannot even consider the idea of letting him go. He is simply far too important to this team right now. That would send the wrong message to both the supporters and the incoming Alonso.