The summer transfer window is still a few weeks away from officially opening. But already, it looks like there is constant news surrounding Chelsea. You would have expected it, considering Xabi Alonso has been appointed the new manager of the Blues. But what you would not have seen coming is that most of the updates would be about potential departures.
There is a clear acceptance that Chelsea need to strengthen this summer. They finished 10th in the Premier League and trophyless, and won’t be playing in any European competition next season. Those are not the standards at Stamford Bridge.
Yet, it is Chelsea’s best players who continue to be linked with moves away. One of them is Joao Pedro. Barcelona are clearly keen on signing him. That is pretty much an open secret at this point.
But according to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have informed Barcelona about their clear official position when it comes to Pedro. He is untouchable. They view him as a crucial part of the project and despite Barca’s attempts, calls and meetings, he’s not available. Doors have been closed.
Chelsea close doors on Joao Pedro exit despite Barcelona’s attempts to sign him
That will be viewed as good news by Chelsea supporters. Pedro was one of the club’s best performers this season, if not the very best.
Now, I have always felt that he needs to be more consistent and that his form has blown hot and cold. He does not have a good record in big games either. In fact, in the big moments, Enzo Fernandez has been a much more likely goalscorer than Pedro.
Overall, one cannot deny that Pedro has produced the numbers though. He has scored 23 goals and provided nine assists since arriving last summer.
Those are impressive numbers. He is the best that Chelsea have had up top since Diego Costa. He has outdone players like Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Alvaro Morata and several others.
Another striker is still needed
Even though Pedro has done well, Chelsea still need another striker. There always needs to be competition for spots at Stamford Bridge.
Is that going to be Nicolas Jackson? There have been some suggestions lately that he could be open to staying on. And his promising run of form to end his time at Bayern Munich does give some hope that he could be a much better goalscorer upon his return from loan, having spent a season working with Harry Kane.
If Jackson does not continue though, Chelsea would need to sign another striker. Liam Delap and Marc Guiu are not good enough.
Emmanuel Emegha is set to come in as well. But he has spent most of the season injured. And from what I have seen of him, to me, he seems too raw at the moment to lead the line for Chelsea.