Chelsea reject Barcelona’s Joao Pedro transfer interest despite Deco’s London visit
Barcelona sporting director Deco has travelled to the capital to discuss a potential move for the forward, but Chelsea have firmly ruled out any sale, even for a world-record fee.
Chelsea have firmly rejected Barcelona’s interest in signing striker Joao Pedro, stating that no sale will be considered this summer, even for a world-record fee. The London club maintains that the 24-year-old is a key asset, regardless of the Catalan side’s willingness to pay a premium to secure his services.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has travelled to London, accompanied by Bojan Krkic and Joao Amaral, to hold talks with the player’s representatives regarding a potential transfer. The Catalans view Pedro as a primary target to replace Robert Lewandowski, who is confirmed to be leaving the club in the summer.
Barcelona have registered interest in Pedro for almost two months and are now accelerating their pursuit. They believe a fee in the region of €70m could secure the forward, though they have set a maximum budget of €100m for a new striker. Julian Alvarez is identified as the other leading striker target for the Spanish club alongside Pedro.
The move comes as Chelsea face a period of transition following the sacking of Liam Rosenior after the FA Cup final defeat. Interim manager Calum McFarlane is in charge for the final two matches of the season against Tottenham and Sunderland, while Xabi Alonso has been appointed on a four-year contract commencing on 1 July.
Despite reports that Pedro is desperate to leave following Chelsea’s failure to secure European qualification for the 2025-26 season, the club remains unmoved. Barcelona are considering the player’s exclusion from Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in their negotiations, but Chelsea’s stance is currently a firm refusal to sell.
