Barcelona had a real opportunity to sign Chelsea‘s João Pedro in June, however, that option is no longer on the table.
The La Liga winners have identified Julián Alvarez as their main target to replace Robert Lewandowski. Atlético Madrid have been standing firm, forcing Barcelona to look at other options.
Barcelona had identified the Chelsea star as the main alternative to Alvarez. In May, Deco made a trip to London to hold talks for the Brazil international. At that time, Hansi Flick’s side signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Chelsea opened exit door
Wednesday’s edition of Sport explains Barca can’t sign João Pedro this summer because they focused on other players early on.
The 24-year-old was eager to join the Catalan club. He would have pushed to convince the Blues to sanction a move had Barcelona made a decisive effort.
At that time, the Premier League side were willing to listen to offers to reshape Xabi Alonso’s squad. Sport believes the Camp Nou side could have signed him for €80m plus €20m bonuses in June.
In short, Hansi Flick’s side had a ‘real possibility’ to sign him. However, Deco spent €80m on Anthony Gordon, who can also operate up front, to provide cover and competition for Raphinha.
Chelsea to reward Pedro
The South American joined the London club from Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2025. He finished his debut season with 20 goals and nine assists from 50 matches.
His impressive performances and Barca and Arsenal attempts to sign him in recent months have convinced Chelsea to take action.
Xabi Alonso’s side are offering him a new contract with a ‘substantial’ rise in salary.
In fact, the newspaper claims the Blues have ‘practically finalised’ João Pedro’s renewal.
That should close the door on his move to the Camp Nou or any other club this summer.
Whether Barcelona will still make a late effort is unclear. Chelsea have shown they’re open to selling most of their players for the right price. When it comes to João Pedro, maybe this summer isn’t the right time for Barcelona, especially having left it late.
Key transfer points
Barcelona showed interest in the Brazilian in May
Later that month, Deco travelled to London for talks
Pedro was ready to convince Chelsea to sanction move
Attacker’s renewal with improved salary now finalised
🇪🇸 Pep Chavarría | Player in England for Chelsea medical – Announcement in ‘coming hours’ https://t.co/5t4DY32C3m #cfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) August 3, 2026