Chelsea forward dreams of playing for Barcelona, move could cost €100 million | OneFootball

Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has now become FC Barcelona’s No. 1 option to strengthen the centre-forward position following Robert Lewandowski’s confirmed departure.

Barcelona initially focused on Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid. However, PSG’s entry into the race for the Argentine, as well as Atleti’s demands, made a move practically impossible. As a result, the club shifted its attention to Joao Pedro.

Joao Pedro wants Barcelona move

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Joao Pedro dreams of playing for Barcelona. He grew up admiring Ronaldinho and Neymar, and he also knows Raphinha well.

The 24-year-old Brazilian already knows that, as things stand today, he is the Catalans’ first priority for the No. 9 position. And joining Barça is considered one of those opportunities that rarely come in a player’s career, and he does not want to miss it.

Joao Pedro wants Barcelona move. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Barcelona, through Deco, and Joao Pedro’s agent, have been in discussions for several weeks. The first contact came in April, and the second took place last week, before his agent travelled to London on Thursday.

That was when the striker learned that his chances of becoming Barcelona’s future No. 9 had significantly increased.

It should also be noted that despite Deco travelling to London this weekend, the two did not meet face to face. They both attended the FA Cup final, but were seated in different areas of Wembley Stadium.

Agent to hold talks with Chelsea

Barcelona’s No. 1 target for the striker position. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Joao Pedro’s agent will now inform Chelsea of Barcelona’s interest in signing him, despite the player being under contract with the London club until 2033.

Sources involved in the operation told the outlet that the price could be around €100 million.

Chelsea are not expected to make things easy, but the fact that they will not play in next season’s UEFA Champions League is seen as a major factor.

It could strengthen the player’s desire to leave and also encourage the club to consider difficult sales in order to reduce wage expenses while missing out on Europe’s top competition.