Barcelona have reportedly made Chelsea striker Joao Pedro their top target for the number nine position this summer, with sporting director Deco wasting no time in advancing negotiations.
Pedro is currently involved in Chelsea’s race to qualify for the Champions League, with the London team needing positive results in the final two games of the season.
Having concluded that a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez would be too difficult to complete, Deco has reportedly shifted his attention to Joao Pedro, whom he sees as a very good alternative for the attacking department.
On Thursday it was reported that Barcelona believe they can close the deal for around 70 million euros, but the latest information from London indicates that Chelsea will demand at least 100 million euros for the player’s card.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo and Sport, Deco arrived in London on Friday to meet with Pedro’s agent and Chelsea executives.
He has been in contact with the player’s agent for weeks, but the main purpose of the visit is to understand Chelsea’s stance regarding a potential transfer.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea will play the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday, a match for which the player’s agent has also traveled to England.
In addition to Joao Pedro and Julian Alvarez, other names have been linked with Barcelona in recent months. Inter captain Lautaro Martinez continues to remain on the Catalan club’s radar, after a period where interest in him had cooled.
