According to recent reports from national media, Spanish champions FC Barcelona are planning to try and sign a Chelsea first team player this summer
Although it has been a very difficult season for Chelsea - which could change come Saturday evening - there have still been a couple of outstanding performers in the team.
Namely Joao Pedro, who is having a very good debut season in SW6. The Brazilian forward is the only Premier League signing to register 20 goals and assists in the competition this season.
So far, Pedro has scored 15 goals in 34 league games, with 30 of those being starts. Even more impressively, none of those goals have been from the penalty spot. In fact, only Erling Haaland (23) has scored more non penalty goals than the Chelsea forward this season (level with Antoine Semenyo).
Well, it appears this level of performance, in such a dysfunctional side, has not gone unnoticed. Indeed, as Brazilian media outlet geglobo are reporting that Spanish giants FC Barcelona are making an attempt to bring Pedro to the club this summer.
They report that talks are at an early stage, and that Chelsea would want around 100 million Euros, which equates to around 86 million pounds. That said, they state that the Blues have no intentions of selling the player, and will play hard in any negotiations.
It is said that Barcelona would like to sign Pedro to replace Robert Lewandowski, who is set to depart the club this summer, barring any quick turnaround. Ironically, the 24-year old mentioned Lewandowski - as well as Harry Kane - as the two players he looks up to in today's game.
They mention that sporting director Deco - a former Chelsea player - is looking to try and get things done before this summer's FIFA World Cup in North America.
Finally, they mention that Chelsea not qualifying for the UEFA Champions League could be an "ace up his sleeve" in the negotiations (should he want to leave for Barcelona).
Now, it does feel like Pedro is happy at Stamford Bridge. The club gave him the chance to win the Club World Cup (in no small part thanks to his contributions), as well as play in the Champions League for the first time in his career.
However, as touched on, not qualifying for next season's edition could be harmful. Now he has had a taste for playing in the competition, you'd imagine he will want to do so regularly.
We all know that South American players dream of playing for either Barcelona or Real Madrid one day. In this instance, Pedro would have the chance to play with international team mate Raphinha at Camp Nou.
The prospect of playing with Spain superstar Lamine Yamal would be tempting too, he would get a ridiculous amount of chances playing with him. And in Hansi Flick's uber attacking system too.
Let's hope he stays.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!