The Xabi Alonso to Chelsea rumours have been heating up over the past couple of days. We had covered reports last week of there being positive talks between the two camps. And now, even the most reliable sources in the game have been putting out pretty much the same message. So, that seems to be moving in the right direction.
If Chelsea want to be successful, just bringing in a quality manager won’t solve all their problems. They will need to sign quality players as well while keeping hold of the few they already have on their books.
One that falls under that category is Joao Pedro. The Brazilian has blown hot and cold at times. But overall, nobody can deny that he has had an excellent debut season for the Blues.
In 51 appearances for Chelsea so far, Pedro has scored 23 goals and provided nine assists as well. That is an excellent return for someone who does not take spot-kicks and is not considered an out-and-out goalscorer. His overall play has been impressive as well. In many ways, the Brazilian might be the complete striker for the modern game. Of course, those performances have caught the eye of other clubs as well. Barcelona are one of them.
Fabrizio Romano’s update on Joao Pedro situation amid Barcelona interest
It has been suggested that Barcelona view Pedro as an alternative if they fail to sign Julian Alvarez this summer. Barca do have a history of signing some of the best Brazilian talents in history. Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Neymar, all played for the club. Could the Chelsea striker be next?
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Barcelona do admire Pedro. But Chelsea don’t seem open to the prospect of his exit. While speaking on YouTube, the Italian journalist said:
“Then for those who ask me Joe Pedro could be the next signing for Barcelona. Guys, I maintain what I told you two weeks ago. The appreciation from Deco for Joe Pedro is already there since he was at Brighton. Barcelona really like Joao Pedro, they consider him as a fantastic striker.
“But Chelsea are absolutely considering Joao Pedro as a crucial part of the project. After a tough season, a difficult season, to sell probably the only player who performed in a top, top way like Joao Pedro, apart from two, three more, well, that would be complicated. So, at the moment also the Joao Pedro story is considered as really, really complicated.
“Then again guys, I always tell you, it’s still May, it’s still early. If something changes I will be here to keep you posted, but the appreciation from Barca is for sure confirmed. But let me say, who doesn’t like Joao Pedro? This is a fantastic striker, but also really complicated with Chelsea. So this is the story around Joao, we have to keep his name as appreciated for Barcelona, but at the moment Chelsea maintain their position.”
Of course, Romano does not completely close the door on Pedro potentially leaving Chelsea for Barcelona. Things can change in football very quickly. That being said, based on the Italian’s comments, it seems highly unlikely that the Blues would let one of their top performers leave this summer.
Chelsea must do everything possible to keep Joao Pedro
Interest from Barcelona is enough to turn the heads of a lot of players. That being said, Chelsea should do everything possible to make sure Pedro remains at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer.
There is finally a bit of excitement around the club with it looking more likely that Alonso could get the job. The last thing they need right now is one of their best players leaving.
With Chelsea’s financial condition, they might need to part with players in order to finance more arrivals. That being said, one would hope that those on the fringes of the squad are the ones heading for the exit door, not an integral part of the team and arguably the club’s player of the season.
