Chelsea sources have insisted that Joao Pedro is not for sale this summer and is considered one of their 'untouchable' players. This follows reports in Spain claiming that Barcelona have installed the 24-year-old Brazilian as their top target for the upcoming summer transfer window to replace Robert Lewandowski, who is 37. Those same reports suggest that Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, wants to intensify negotiations before the World Cup begins.
However, insiders at Chelsea are adamant that they have zero interest in such talks. They emphasize that this will be a summer window focused on strengthening their squad under a new head coach, not weakening it.
Joao Pedro is a shoo-in to be named Chelsea's player of the season after signing last summer and scoring 20 goals in all competitions in the 2025-26 season. This tally does not include the three goals he scored at the Club World Cup at the end of the last campaign, including one in their final win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea signed Pedro from Brighton for £55 million, which could rise to £60 million, and tied him down on a deal until 2033. There has been no indication that the Brazil international, who has eight caps, is itching to leave Stamford Bridge.
Pedro is set to lead the line for Chelsea in their FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The club is currently managed by interim head coach Calum McFarlane, who replaced Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea are currently working on securing Rosenior's full-time replacement. The identity of that successor could help convince members of the squad of their future direction after a disappointing campaign. Some representatives of Chelsea players have not been shy in telling us, when contacted privately, that Xabi Alonso would be considered a real coup in the eyes of their clients. Neither the players nor their agents are being continually updated on the latest developments with that managerial search, as the squad is focusing only on trying to win the FA Cup currently.
Daily Mail Sport revealed on Saturday how Alonso was an early preferred candidate. No agreement has been struck in talks as of today, and Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Oliver Glasner remain among the other candidates on their shortlist. Alonso and Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth at the end of this season, share the same representation.
