João Pedro, who has been rumored as a target signing for Barcelona, will instead sign a new contract with his current club, Chelsea FC, according to a new report. While not considered the top striker target for Barça (that would of course be Julián Alvarez from Atlético Madrid), João Pedro was considered one of the top alternatives.
Chelsea were reportedly aware that other clubs liked him, and made it a point to say that the Brazilian was not for sale. He has made an instant impact for the London
club since signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring 23 goals and dishing out 9 assists in 53 appearances in his maiden season. That performance is now set to be rewarded with an improved contract.
Barcelona are still looking for a new striker after the departure of Robert Lewandowski to Chicago Fire. Apart from Alvarez, Barcelona have been looking at a few options in the transfer market, but few seem like easy deals to pull off.
Eli Junior Kroupi from AFC Bournemouth is considered a top alternative although an injury may complicate matters. The club is also not willing to sell.
Vangelis Pavlidis from Benfica is another potential target, although the Portuguese club will not make it easy for him to leave. Dušan Vlahović, who left Juventus as a free agent, is the one name on the list who would be relatively easy to get — if Barcelona decide he is the one.
