Chelsea are preparing for a busy, and important, summer transfer window.
The Blues have largely endured a poor campaign. Dumped out of the Champions League at the first round knockout and slipping to ninth in the Premier League has left their only chances of silverware resting on the FA Cup.
It hasn't just been on the field of play that things have been turbulent, though. Enzo Maresca's departure at the start of the year saw Liam Rosenior appointed before the 41-year-old was sacked just 104 days later.
Now with Calum McFarlane standing in on an interim basis, the Blues remain busy in their search for a new permanent manager ahead of next season.
Even though there has been little for fans to shout about, one of the side's only shining lights has been Joao Pedro. The Brazilian has had an excellent debut season at Stamford Bridge following his mega money £60 million move from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Barcelona's interest in Joao Pedro
Naturally, the striker's impressive numbers, which have seen him score 20 goals and register nine assists in 47 games in all competitions, has caught the attention of one of Europe's big boys — Barcelona.
Unsurprisingly, Pedro has emerged as a target for Barcelona, who are on the hunt for a younger striker to replace Robert Lewandowski ahead of his 38th birthday later this year.
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez is the Catalan giants' top transfer target but failure to land the Argentine could see the 28-time Spanish champions turn their attention to Chelsea's number 20.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, who spoke on his YouTube channel, BlueCo consider their in form forward untouchable, suggesting a move to the Nou Camp is off the table.
"Guys, the reality on Joao Pedro from what I understand, Joao Pedro is, for sure, a player super appreciated by Barcelona, is a player that Deco, Barcelona director, was monitoring even before he joined Chelsea.
For Deco, he was a super-appreciated player already at Brighton.
So, for sure, Joao Pedro is a player really, really liked at Barcelona, but it’s obvious, I would say, to like a player like Joao Pedro.
"
Pedro's contract, which runs until 2033, sees him earn around £125,000-per week.
No chance Chelsea sell Pedro
Considering the amazing season he's had, Pedro looks to be one of the first names on the team sheet next term.
Regardless of which manager BlueCo end up appointing, Pedro is certain to remain crucial to the club's plans moving forward.
"They like Joao Pedro, yes, but Chelsea here is a crucial part of the story. For Chelsea, he is a crucial player.
It is a difficult moment for Chelsea, and to lose Joao Pedro this summer would be something absolutely not in Chelsea plans.
So, for Chelsea, Joao Pedro remains an absolutely crucial part of the project and Barcelona know that."
Should the Blues look to offload a striker in the summer, it seems far more likely either, or both, Marc Guiu or Liam Delap are moved on despite the latter wanting to continue and fight for his place.
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