Chelsea set firm position on Joao Pedro amid Barcelona interest | OneFootball

Signing a striker is currently the top priority of the FC Barcelona Sporting Department, especially as Robert Lewandowski has already played his last game for the Blaugrana club.

In recent weeks, two names have emerged at the top of the list for the club’s next number nine. One is Julian Alvarez, while the other is Joao Pedro, who has gained strong momentum as a preferred option for the Blaugrana hierarchy.

However, the Brazilian forward looks like a complicated target. According to Mundo Deportivo, citing journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are not considering any sale of the player, regardless of the size of any potential offer.

The report even states that no proposal would be enough to change their stance, not even what could be described as a record fee.

At the same time, Barcelona’s interest is genuine, and initial contacts between both clubs have already taken place. Sporting director Deco has been closely involved in the situation and was even present at the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City to reportedly watch the Brazilian in action.

Despite Chelsea’s firm position, there is still a factor that could influence the operation. Joao Pedro is aware that he is a priority target for Deco, and his personal stance could become important if he decides to push for a move.

Another element that could play a role is Chelsea’s absence from European competition next season, which may weigh on the player’s decision.

From a sporting perspective, Joao Pedro has had an important season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 20 goals across all competitions. However, despite his form, he was not included in the Brazil national team squad for the upcoming World Cup by Carlo Ancelotti.

Adding another layer of uncertainty around the club’s immediate future, Chelsea are also undergoing a managerial change, with Xabi Alonso set to take charge next season.

For Barcelona, the situation remains clear. The interest is real, the player is appreciated, and discussions have begun. But Chelsea’s stance makes this one of the most difficult operations of the summer market, unless circumstances around the player begin to shift.