Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso might take bold stance on Joao Pedro transfer amid Barcelona interest: Reports

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso may not force Joao Pedro to stay at Stamford Bridge, if the Brazilian wants to join Barcelona this summer, according to AS Diary.

The Catalans are on the lookout for a prolific centre-forward with Robert Lewandowski set to leave the club at the end of the season. Barcelona have been admirers of Julian Alvarez for a long time now. However, Atletico Madrid have not softened their stance on selling the striker to a direct rival.

As such, Pedro has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Lewandowski at Camp Nou. The forward joined the Blues from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £60 million last summer and has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro is the Blues’ leading goalscorer this season with 20 strikes to his name across competitions. He has also registered nine assists in the 49 matches he has played for them this term.

The idea of selling the club’s best performer is something that will be frowned upon. However, Alonso is someone who has been the victim of player power in his previous job at Real Madrid. The report claims that the Spaniard might just decide not to go against Pedro’s wish, if he really wants to join Barcelona this summer.

Former Chelsea and Brazil attacker Deco, who is the sporting director at Barcelona now, has reportedly held talks with Pedro’s agents in London. It is believed that Pedro is keen on making the switch to link up with Hansi Flick and co. However, the Premier League giants are expected to demand a significant transfer fee, which Barca may not be able to afford at this stage.

Alonso’s stance on retaining Pedro is supposedly the key to the deal advancing to the next stages. It remains to be seen whether he gives the green light for the transfer.

Chelsea set asking price for Joao Pedro amid Barcelona interest: Reports

According to Sports WorldChelsea want at least €100 million to let Joao Pedro leave the club this summer. The forward is locked down to a contract that runs until 2033, with the Blues ready to use that to their advantage.

Even though Barcelona have held initial talks with Pedro’s entourage, they have yet to make an official offer to sign him. As such, Chelsea remain calm about the player’s future for the time being.

Pedro is reportedly keen on playing Champions League football next season. Chelsea are currently 10th in the Premier League table and look very likely to miss out on Europe’s top club competition.