Chelsea Star Has Already Agreed to Join Barclona: Report

Although attention has turned to this summer's FIFA World Cup, which is now underway, there is a huge summer transfer window ahead for Chelsea and Xabi Alonso. 

There is an expectation and anticipation of quite a big rebuild this summer, with a number of players coming in, and thus a number of players going the other way to make room for the incomings. 

However, one player who fans don't want to leave is Joao Pedro. The Brazilian scored 15 non penalty goals in the Premier League, despite playing in such a dysfunctional side. Only Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo were able to better that tally, although it was not enough for a place in Brazil's World Cup squad.

Well, sadly, the fans, and club, may not get their wish of Pedro staying in SW6. Indeed not, as teamtalk are reporting that the forward has already agreed personal terms with La Liga winners FC Barcelona. 

There have been reports of interest from the Catalan side for quite a while now, with their sporting director - and former Chelsea player - Deco, said to have attended the FA Cup final in May. Well, the good thing is, if that was true, he would have been put off by what he saw. 

In all seriousness, this sort of story may not go away for a while. It feels like there could be a long summer of this talk, especially with Pedro not over in North America with Brazil. 

However, as much as the player may want the move, Barcelona will still need to pay up what Chelsea will be demanding, which will be no small fee. Will Hansi Flick's side be able to afford a move, having already spent a reported 80 million Euros on Newcastle United and England winger Anthony Gordon? 

That said, with no European football at all - never mind Champions League football - it becomes a bit more complicated. On the player side of things, but also in terms of the club's finances, and the need to bring in sales in order to rebuild the squad under Alonso. As good as Pedro is, and he is clearly very, very good, if you can get a good fee for a player who does not want to be at the club, is it such a bad thing to cash in?

Certainly some food for thought either way. Let's wait and see.