Chelsea to hand Joao Pedro new contract to fend off interest from Barcelona

Chelsea to hand Joao Pedro new contract to fend off interest from Barcelona Chelsea are set to hand Joao Pedro a new contract to fend off interest from Barcelona, according to The Athletic .  Pedro joined the Blues last summer from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth over £50 million.  He hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, bagging 20 goals and nine assists in 50 appearances.  Pedro’s contract will not expire until 2032, but Chelsea are keen to reward him with a new deal.  The 24-year-old’s impressive performances have put him on the radar of Barcelona.  The Premier League club have been aware of interest from other clubs, and have moved to secure the forward’s future in West London.  Pedro began his career at Brazilian side Fluminense before joining Watford in 2020.  He significantly enhanced his reputation as a top forward after moving to Brighton for £30m in 2023.  Pedro scored 30 goals in 70 appearances during his two-year spell at the Seagulls.  He enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Chelsea, but was surprisingly left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup.  The Blues have been busy in the transfer market once again. They splashed a British record £117m fee to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.  Maxence Lacroix has recently arrived from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £52m .  With new boss Xabi Alonso keen to sign experienced players, Chelsea are close to completing a double swoop for Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.  Stats from Transfermarkt