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Barcelona are trying to “tempt” Chelsea striker Joao Pedro into leaving Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
There have been multiple reports in Spain about the La Liga champions’ interest in the Brazilian, and speaking about the speculation on his YouTube channel, Romano said:
“What we have to expect is that Barcelona, behind the scenes, have been trying to get in touch with his agents, to try and understand what could be the magic number to make things happen around Joao Pedro. They want to tempt Chelsea and the player. But the reality is that, as of today, again, it’s end of May, very early. It’s a long window. It’s a long summer.”
“Joao Pedro is not going to be at the World Cup, so the negotiations can be different. But in terms of Chelsea’s desire, as of today, it’s a very high wall around Joao Pedro. It’s been a tough season for Chelsea, a very complicated season, three different managers. And so to let Joao Pedro go at this stage of the project with a new coach ambitious like Xabi Alonso incoming seems something really, really complicated.”
Romano is, however, keen to emphasise that Chelsea have NOT slapped an asking price on Pedro, and it would be up to Barca to make an offer that the Blues could not refuse:
“Chelsea have absolutely no intention to discuss. And it’s not about €90 million, 100 million, 120. It’s not about numbers. Chelsea want to restart their project with a top coach like Xabi Alonso and with top players like, obviously, Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, and all the others. So this is going to be the focus. If Barcelona will decide to make something crazy happen, we will eventually let you know.”
Do Chelsea have to sell players this summer?
The failure to qualify for the Champions League does put the Blues under pressure financially, and it remains to be seen how it will impact their transfer business over the coming months.
It is believed that Xabi Alonso and the recruitment team want to bring in two high-profile signings, but whether that means players will have to be sold, it is not entirely clear.
As Romano points out, Pedro is seen as one of the club’s prized assets, so it is very unlikely that he will be the first one on the chopping block if funds have to be raised.
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Does Pedro want to join Barcelona?
There are conflicting reports regarding the player’s stance. Some have suggested that the 24-year-old is happy at Stamford Bridge, and he is not thinking of leaving.
However, somewhat unsurprisingly, sources close to Barca claim Pedro is “eager” to join them. We shall have to wait and see which version is accurate.
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