Joao Pedro transfer takes surprise turn after London trip

Barcelona have stepped up their interest in Joao Pedro as Deco prepares for talks in London. The Chelsea forward is now emerging as the club’s leading attacking target for the summer.

Joao Pedro moves ahead of Julian Alvarez on Barcelona shortlist

Barcelona are looking at new striker options for the summer. Joao Pedro is now ahead of Julian Alvarez on the club’s list. Deco wants a younger forward for the future. As per TEAMtalk, the Brazilian player’s agent arrived in London from Brazil on 15th May. He will meet Chelsea and Barcelona officials as talks over the striker continue.

Deco has kept in touch with the player’s camp for weeks. The agent is now in London, and that could speed up talks. As per ESPN, Barcelona also tried to sign Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. But the club sees him as a very important player. Diego Simeone does not want to lose him. Because of that, Joao Pedro is now a stronger option for Barcelona.

Overall stats of Joao Pedro for Chelsea this season, as per transfermarkt:

READ MORE: Marc Andre Ter Stegen facing huge Barcelona decision

Chelsea still see Joao Pedro as a key player

Chelsea will not sell Joao Pedro this summer. The player was signed from Brighton in 2023 for €63.7 million, his contract with the club runs until 2033 and he delivered an outstanding performance in his debut season after joining. He became an important part of the attack. The striker adjusted quickly to Premier League football. He pressed well, made smart runs and linked play nicely with his teammates.

Barcelona still believe a deal could be possible. As per their Premier League standings, Chelsea will not play Champions League football next season. That could affect some decisions at the club during the summer transfer window. Because of this, Barcelona may feel they still have a chance to open talks for Joao Pedro.

Barcelona like Joao Pedro because he suits their style well. He is comfortable in many attacking roles. The striker can move wide, come deep and help in build up play. He is also calm in small spaces. Deco and the coaches see him as a smart fit for the team. Barcelona also know Robert Lewandowski is getting older. Because of that, the club wants a younger striker who can become the main forward in the future.

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Wembley meeting could shape the next stage of talks

Joao Pedro’s agent is also expected to attend Saturday’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley. Blaugrana representatives are likely to be present as well. The meeting could give Deco a good chance to speak with the striker’s camp.

Barcelona have not made an official offer yet. Still, both sides want to understand the situation better in the coming days. Barcelona will keep watching things closely after the FA Cup final. Deco also wants to know if Chelsea could change their position later in the summer.

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Author’s Opinion

Barcelona still face financial limits and must be careful with any major deal this summer. Chelsea, meanwhile, remain in a strong negotiating position because of the player’s long contract. Still, the growing contact between all parties suggests that Barcelona’s interest is becoming more concrete.

The next few weeks could become very important for the future of the Brazilian striker. Joao Pedro may not have been the first name on the club’s list a few months ago, but he is now quickly becoming one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer market in European football.

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Deepanjali Bhardwaj

Deepanjali Bhardwaj is a Sports Writer at Six Sports, covering both football and cricket with a focus on match developments, player performances, and key talking points across the two sports. Her work combines timely reporting with clear analysis, helping readers stay informed about major matches, tournaments, and emerging storylines in the football and cricket landscape.

Through her coverage at Six Sports, Deepanjali contributes match reports, analytical pieces, and feature stories that highlight important moments, team strategies, and standout player performances across domestic and international competitions.