This summer transfer window could get very interesting for Chelsea. On the one hand, there is a recognition that they will need to improve the squad. On the other hand, it is evident that some of their top players are looking to engineer moves away.
The two names that have done the rounds of the rumour mill most often are those of Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella. They are not the only ones with an eye on the exit door though. There are others as well.
One of them is Joao Pedro. The Brazilian striker was signed just last summer and had a top debut campaign. That seems to have caught the eye of FC Barcelona, who have struggled in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
According to AS, Barcelona are considering Pedro as an alternative to Alvarez. The Brazilian player has already agreed to join the club.
Joao Pedro has reportedly agreed to Barcelona move
The news that Pedro has agreed to move to Barcelona will come as a worry to Chelsea fans. Of course, the fact that those rumours have never been ruled out by the player or his camp tells a story of their own.
That being said, it is not just about agreeing things with Pedro. Barcelona will need to find an agreement with Chelsea as well.
That is where the stumbling block might lie for them. It has been suggested that Chelsea view Pedro as one of the ‘untouchables’ in their squad.
So, unless Pedro tries to force a move away from Chelsea, it might not happen. And he might be unlikely to do that.
Why Chelsea cannot afford to lose Joao Pedro
When Chelsea signed Joao Pedro for a transfer fee in the region of £60 million, it was not a move that impressed the fans.
Firstly, he was another signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, something that, rightly or wrongly, seems to have a negative feeling around the Chelsea fanbase.
Secondly, Pedro had scored just 10 goals in the previous campaign. So, he did not look like an elite goalscorer.
Pedro has proven himself since joining Chelsea though. He scored 23 goals in his debut campaign. The Brazilian might very well be the best centre-forward they have had since Diego Costa, someone who left almost a decade ago.
So, Chelsea simply cannot let Pedro go this summer. Not unless they know that they have a capable of cover option already in place.
