The search for Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor is becoming the defining mission of Barcelona’s summer planning, and Joao Pedro is now gathering serious momentum.
While much of the public attention has focused on bigger-profile names across Europe, Barcelona’s sporting department has intensified their work around the Chelsea attacker in recent weeks.
More importantly, for Barcelona, the player himself is already fully convinced by the idea of moving to Camp Nou.
Willing to push Chelsea towards negotiations
It must be noted that Barcelona sporting director Deco has travelled to London multiple times over recent months as part of the club’s efforts to understand the conditions of a possible operation.
Those meetings were not casual conversations either, as Barcelona have maintained direct communication with the player’s entourage.
Joao Pedro wants to play for Barcelona. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
The Brazilian forward is understood to be highly attracted by the sporting project being presented to him, which is why, as per SPORT, he would actively push for a departure from Chelsea if Barcelona formally begin negotiations.
For the moment, however, Barcelona are deliberately avoiding direct club-to-club contact because approaching Chelsea too early could immediately inflate the price even further.
The current valuation of the Brazilian sits somewhere between €80 million and €100 million, something that is too big to commit to at the moment.
Interestingly, Chelsea’s failure to secure European football next season may strengthen Barcelona’s negotiating position over time.
Missing out on continental competition creates financial and sporting complications for the London side, which is why Barcelona are willing to play the waiting game.
Perfect Barcelona signing?
Joao Pedro will force a move out of Chelsea. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Joao Pedro possesses the technical versatility, mobility, and tactical intelligence required to lead the frontline in modern football.
Unlike traditional number nines, he is comfortable dropping deep, drifting wide, linking play, and pressing aggressively from the front.
For now, Barcelona still have major financial decisions to make before accelerating negotiations.
However, if the Blaugrana finally decide to move decisively for Joao Pedro, the Brazilian is prepared to do everything possible to ensure the transfer becomes reality.
