Premier League giants rule out Barcelona priority target’s sale – report | OneFootball

As Barcelona’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez complicates further, the club appear to have a new obsession with the new form of Joao Pedro.

Recent reports have indicated that the Chelsea forward has emerged as the club’s new priority target for the summer.

How much he would exactly cost remains debated, with some pegging the deal value at €70 million while others point out that it could easily reach €100 milllion. He is, nevertheless, seen as a cost-effective alternative to Alvarez.

Chelsea not keen on selling

However, amid a series of reports linking Pedro to a move to Barcelona this summer, The Athletic has come out with a key update.

As per the report, Pedro was never going to be available in the upcoming summer transfer window as he is considered too important at Chelsea.

The Blues, therefore, have no intention to listen to any offers for the Brazilian international in the summer, regardless of how much he may end up costing in the market.

Big blow for Barcelona?

Chelsea’s determination to keep hold of Joao Pedro is certainly a major blow for Barcelona as they grow desperate for a new attacker.

It is well-established that Robert Lewandowski is on his way out after four successful years at Barça while Ferran Torres cannot be trusted as the main number nine.

Joao Pedro is Barcelona’s new top target. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The addition of Joao Pedro, to that end, could have done wonders at Barcelona, and the Brazilian synergy between him and Raphinha may have worked like a charm.

But as things stand, Chelsea are not interested, though it will be interesting to see if Deco hatches any plan to convince the player to force an exit from Stamford Bridge. For now, he wants to meet the player’s agent as soon as possible.