It is reported that on May 1st, ESPN Brazil reporters Bruno and Andrade reported that although Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez was Barcelona's primary target to strengthen the striker this summer, the club has actually been secretly operating Plan B for almost a month, and has considered Chelsea's Brazilian forward Joao Pedro as a candidate. Why? This is due to the high value of Alvarez and the competitive relationship between the clubs. As a result, Barcelona has launched an alternative plan in advance. At this moment, it has already launched informal contacts with Chelsea.
Although Julian Alvarez is Barcelona's priority target when reinforcing the front line for the 2026/27 season, according to the situation known to ESPN Brazil, Barcelona has been operating an alternative plan behind the scenes for almost a month, and this alternative person is none other than Joao Pedro. In view of the obstacles that may be encountered in the introduction of Atletico Madrid striker Alvarez, such as the player's high market value and the competitive relationship between the two clubs, Barcelona has initiated preliminary unofficial contacts with Chelsea regarding Joao Pedro.
Joao Pedro, who has been recognized by coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, is regarded as relatively cheap, but his current market valuation is still as high as approximately 100 million euros. On the other hand, Chelsea has used third-party channels to convey its position that it will not facilitate the transfer in the summer window, especially since they realize that it is difficult to find a replacement of the same level at a similar price.
At this stage, the forward from Brazil has not taken transfer negotiations into consideration at all. He has devoted himself wholeheartedly to completing the season with Chelsea. Specifically, he has successfully scored 19 goals in 46 official games in all competitions. Of course, at the same time, he also spared his energy to make comprehensive preparations for the upcoming World Cup. The 24-year-old Joao Pedro has been fighting in English football since he moved to Watford from Fluminense in 2019. He also played for the Brighton team before joining Chelsea in the second half of 2025. The contract he signed with Chelsea is valid until June 2033.