‘Well, this is football’: Chelsea new manager tight-lipped about Barcelona target’s future | OneFootball

Following his surprise exit from Real Madrid in January, Xabi Alonso has been named the new manager of Chelsea heading into the new season.

After a forgettable campaign, the Blues, who parted ways with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, are pinning their hopes on Alonso to take them back to the top.

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona will be watching all developments closely, given their strong interest in Chelsea striker Joao Pedro.

Alonso on Joao Pedro’s future

Earlier today, Alonso had a brief chat with a journalist from El Chiringuito TV, during which he was asked about the possibility of players leaving Chelsea in the summer.

Xabi Alonso is the new Chelsea manager. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The name of Pedro and his links to Barcelona were specifically mentioned by the interviewer.

In response, the new Chelsea head coach was coy as he limited himself to saying: “Well, this is football, and we will build a good team,” without closing the door on the Brazilian’s possible departure.

Joao Pedro: Barcelona’s No. 1 target

With Robert Lewandowski’s departure already confirmed, Barcelona are firmly in the market for a new centre-forward heading into the summer.

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

While they had identified Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez as their priority target, things have changed in recent days.

Instead, Joao Pedro is now the No. 1 target for the reigning La Liga champions after the Brazilian enjoyed a solid debut season with the Blues, scoring 20 and assisting nine goals in 49 games.

The Chelsea forward, for his part, is understood to be open to a move to Barcelona, but any transfer could cost around €100 million. So, it remains to be seen if the Blaugrana press ahead with their interest in the Brazilian or look for cheaper alternatives.