Barça Wanted João Pedro. Chelsea Gave Him a Raise

Barcelona showed an interest in João Pedro, so Chelsea immediately took action. Just not by opening talks with Deco. The English club instead decided to extend the striker’s contract, which already runs until 2032, and give him a pay rise. According to Mundo Deportivo, citing The Athletic, Chelsea want to shut the door on both Barcelona and Arsenal.

João Pedro has certainly earned the reward. He recorded 20 goals and six assists in 50 appearances during his first season at Chelsea, then began the new campaign with a hat-trick and an assist in a friendly against Sydney Wanderers. Chelsea now consider him untouchable, while reports have placed his potential price above €100 million. That tends to happen whenever Barça’s name appears.

The Brazilian had been mentioned as one of the alternatives to Julián Álvarez. Now he is off the table before Barcelona could even begin serious negotiations. Another striker has secured better terms thanks to Barça’s interest, allowing Deco to add one more achievement to his summer: improving the contract of a Chelsea player.