Chelsea rocked by Joao Pedro transfer update
Updated: 28 Apr 2026 14:58 BST |
4 min read
Barcelona have identified Chelsea forward Joao Pedro as an alternative to top transfer target Julian Alvarez, according to reports in Spain.
The Brazil international has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion for €63.7 million last July, and he has cemented himself as the clear first choice number nine since the turn of the year.
Pedro has notched 22 goals and provided nine assists in 49 games for Chelsea and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has risen beyond the €70m mark as a result of his immense form for the west London giants.
Chelsea are expected to dip into the transfer market in order to bring a new forward to the club this summer, amid the woes of fellow summer signing Liam Delap, but they could also be forced to pursue a replacement for Pedro if reports from Spain are to be believed.
That is because Barcelona have earmarked the 24-year-old as a “clear alternative” to the aforementioned Alvarez, who is currently regarded as their dream long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.
Spanish radio station SER Chain claim that Pedro is a player that Barcelona “really like” and former Blaugrana star Bojan Krkic revealed that he spoke to the Brazilian during his time at Brighton.
“A year and a half ago, I spoke with his agent through Ansu Fati. I spoke with the player, and he directed me to his agent without any ulterior motive, simply to keep him in mind for a potential move to Spain. I liked him a lot. He’s a complete forward who Ancelotti really likes, and he can play as an attacking midfielder or a striker,” Bojan said.
“I see him as very good in tight spaces and he’s ideal for Barca and for what (Hansi) Flick wants,” he added.
Verdict: Chelsea can’t sell Joao Pedro to Barcelona
Despite rumoured interest from Barcelona, Pedro is highly unlikely to leave Chelsea after just one season and a sale simply shouldn’t be permitted by the Blues hierarchy.
He has been a standout player since his arrival at Stamford Bridge and although a number of areas are in need of reinforcements in west London, the centre forward position isn’t one thanks to the presence of Pedro.
He knits together Chelsea’s attack in a manner that no other player in the Blues’ squad is capable of and with Cole Palmer misfiring for the majority of the 2025-26 season to date, Pedro has been the main man this term.
Barcelona’s interest will therefore come as little surprise, given the Brazilian’s form in recent months and their pursuit of a new striker, but Chelsea hold all the power as his contract isn’t due to expire until 2033 and a sale is therefore highly unlikely to be permitted.
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