The noise surrounding Joao Pedro has been the story of the week so far, with the Chelsea star linked with a move to Barcelona. But in the midst of it all, he had time to praise one of his teammates.
Deco, Bojan and a Barcelona scout travelled to London this week in an attempt to test Chelsea’s resolve. But the latest reports suggest Chelsea have stood firm and will keep Pedro at Stamford Bridge.
What is a fair price for Joao Pedro? 🔮
He cost £60m a year ago…
Xabi Alonso will be desperate to keep his best players this summer and Pedro is certainly that. Chelsea’s Player of the Season, Pedro has scored 23 goals and laid on nine assists in his 52 Chelsea appearances.
It’s good news for Chelsea fans, but Pedro is not the only big player linked with an exit this summer. The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella and other key Chelsea players could also be sold in due course.
Joao Pedro shares what he initially told Cole Palmer
Another player linked with the exit door is Cole Palmer. By his standards, Palmer has had a poor season but has been troubled with a groin issue. Alan Shearer said Palmer is in a “horrible situation” currently.
Many forget that the England star has continued playing despite the injury, playing through it rather than resting. It could well be a blessing in disguise that Palmer has not been picked for the 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro celebrates alongside Cole Palmer; the Brazilian has credited his 'flying' form to the unique playmaking partnership he has formed with the England international since joining from Brighton.
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, Pedro says that he initially told Palmer he didn’t think he was as good as the hype. But having spent a year with him, Pedro now believes Palmer is a magical player.
“He’s very intelligent. He’s magic. I said to him before, ‘I didn’t think you were that good.’ And he looked at me. I said, ‘Yeah, but now because I play with him, yeah, he’s different,'” Pedro told Ferdinand.
He continued, joking: “I said to him, ‘Why don’t you come to Brazil? The no.10 there, mate. No problem.’ Because in Brazil, we don’t have this guy. If you watch us, we play 4-2-4. We don’t have a number 10.”
What are Chelsea’s chances of keeping Cole Palmer this summer?
There was talk a few months ago that Palmer wanted to return north and Manchester United wanted him. Palmer’s best mate even suggested that there was a good chance that he would move to Old Trafford.
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England v Uruguay - International Friendly
Photo by Alex Davidson – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
That has since died down, with Palmer himself suggesting he is excited to work with Xabi Alonso. A hint that he will remain at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Chelsea placing a £150m price tag on his head.
Julien Laurens says that even if Man United, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid want to sign Palmer, they will struggle to afford Chelsea’s price tag. Ultimately, all the signs point towards Palmer staying at Chelsea.
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