Chelsea are reportedly determined to resist growing interest from FC Barcelona in João Pedro after the striker’s outstanding first season at Stamford Bridge.
According to reports from Brazil, Barcelona sporting director Deco has intensified contacts over a possible summer move as the Catalan side begin planning for the eventual departure of Robert Lewandowski.
However, Chelsea’s message appears clear already: João Pedro is not a player they want to lose.
Chelsea refusing to soften stance on João Pedro
Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte claim Chelsea are preparing to play hardball in any negotiations and would only consider extraordinary offers for the Brazilian forward.
Figures being discussed are reportedly approaching €100m including bonuses — a valuation that underlines how highly Chelsea now rate the striker internally.
The club only signed João Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer in a deal worth around €70m with add-ons, but his performances have rapidly elevated his status inside the squad.
Having followed Chelsea’s long-running striker struggles over recent years, João Pedro’s impact has been particularly significant because he solved multiple tactical issues simultaneously. Beyond goals, the Brazilian has added fluid movement, pressing intensity and intelligent link-up play — qualities Chelsea repeatedly failed to find consistently through previous expensive attacking signings.
The 24-year-old has scored 20 goals and provided six assists in 53 appearances this season.
Barcelona accelerating search for Lewandowski successor
Barcelona’s interest is being driven partly by uncertainty around Lewandowski’s future.
The Polish striker is increasingly linked with a move to Al Hilal SFC, forcing Barcelona to accelerate succession planning earlier than expected.
Reports in Spain and Brazil suggest João Pedro and Julián Álvarez of Atlético de Madrid are the two names dominating internal discussions.
Deco is also believed to want progress before the World Cup begins because strong performances on the international stage could increase transfer values even further.
João Pedro is currently preparing for a major week personally. The striker is expected to start Chelsea’s FA Cup final against Manchester City before awaiting Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad announcement.
| Stat (2025/26) | João Pedro |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 53 |
| Goals | 20 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Goal contributions | 26 |
source: sofascore match data – 13 May 2026
Champions League absence could become pressure point
One factor Barcelona may attempt to exploit is Chelsea’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
The absence of European football could create financial and sporting pressure inside Stamford Bridge, particularly if major offers arrive for key players. Barcelona are reportedly aware of that context and may use it strategically during negotiations.
Still, Chelsea’s internal position remains firm for now.
The club view João Pedro as one of the foundations of their attacking project rather than a player available for quick profit after only one season.
What’s next?
Barcelona are expected to continue exploratory discussions while monitoring Lewandowski’s situation and assessing financial flexibility before the market accelerates fully.
Chelsea, meanwhile, appear determined to build around João Pedro unless an offer reaches extraordinary levels. Much could depend on how aggressively Barcelona pursue the deal after the FA Cup final and World Cup squad announcements.
For João Pedro himself, the next few days could define both his immediate future and his growing reputation at the very highest level.
Should Chelsea reject every approach for João Pedro this summer, or would a €100m offer become impossible to ignore?
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