Chelsea striker Joao Pedro to push for €100m Barcelona transfer

Joao Pedro is prepared to push for a sensational move from Chelsea to Barcelona after emerging as their preferred replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Per Mundo Deportivo, Pedro would jump at the chance to join Barcelona. Sporting director Deco has held discussions with Pedro’s camp over the past few weeks.

They had initially prioritised Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but Paris Saint-Germain’s interest has complicated any potential pursuit.

The 24-year-old only joined Chelsea last summer and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most important attacking players during a difficult campaign.

Joao Pedro scored 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, often carrying Chelsea’s blunt frontline during long stretches of inconsistency.

Chelsea would demand around €100 million to consider selling the Brazil international, whose contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2033.

Pedro’s representatives are expected to formally inform Chelsea of Barcelona’s interest in the coming weeks.

The striker is attracted by the prospect of playing in Spain, having grown up idolising Ronaldinho and Neymar.

His relationship with fellow Brazilian Raphinha is also viewed as a factor that could help sway any negotiations in Barcelona’s favour.

However, there are major doubts over whether Barcelona can realistically finance a deal of this magnitude.

The Catalans remain trapped in a difficult economic situation despite recent improvements, and a €100m transfer would stretch their already fragile finances to the limit.

Barcelona have repeatedly struggled to register players and stay within La Liga’s financial regulations, so committing such a colossal fee for one forward looks risky.