Chelsea not ready to sell Barcelona top target even if they receive a world-record bid | OneFootball

With the season done and dusted, Barcelona are expected to shift their focus on the transfer market, with the club particularly keen on bringing in a new forward.

Joao Pedro has emerged as the ideal target for the Blaugrana, who have struggled to make any inroads in the pursuit of top attacking target Julian Alvarez.

The club’s sporting director Deco has already held talks with Joao Pedro’s agents in London earlier this month, with an eye for a potential move to Catalonia this summer.

Chelsea not ready to sell

According to Ben Jacobs (h/t Diario SPORT), Barcelona’s interest in the Brazilian striker is real and exploratory talks have already taken place.

Chelsea will not sell Joao Pedro. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

However, the journalist has also made clear where Chelsea stand on the matter: the London club are not willing to sell this summer under any circumstances.

Not even a record offer would change Chelsea’s mind. The 24-year-old has closed the season with 20 goals and nine assists, consolidating himself as one of the most complete and sought-after strikers in the European market.

While the figures circulating in England had placed his price between €80 million and €100 million, Jacobs’ latest update suggests Chelsea will not entertain an offer at all.

Key piece in Chelsea’s project

Joao Pedro trade will be difficult for Barcelona. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

At the English club, Joao Pedro is viewed as one of the offensive references of the project under construction, and there is no appetite to weaken a squad that is preparing for a new chapter after a turbulent campaign.

Chelsea have just closed a season marked by constant changes on the bench and the arrival of Xabi Alonso to lead the new sporting project.

This is likely to force Barcelona to look at other alternatives, though the club appear to have been priced out in moves for other top target Alvarez as well.