After a stellar debut season with the Blues, in which Pedro has bagged 23 goals and six assists across all competitions, Barcelona now view him as the shrewdest option on the market.
While Julian Alvarez remains the dream target, Atletico Madrid’s financial demands have forced Barca to accelerate their pursuit of Pedro, whom they believe could be prised away this summer.
However, having invested heavily to sign him last summer, Chelsea view Pedro as central to their rebuilding project.
With a contract running until 2033, the Blues hold significant leverage. However, their absence from next season’s Champions League could provide Barcelona with an opening to unsettle Pedro.
Former manager Liam Rosenior believes the ‘magnificent’ Pedro is on the same level as Harry Kane, Erling Braut Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Unlike a traditional number nine, Pedro thrives in the build-up, regularly dropping deep to link play or drifting wide to exploit space.
His physical profile and relentless intensity are highly attractive to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who wants a more mobile, high-pressing attacker to complement the creativity of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Whether Barcelona can navigate their ongoing financial constraints to sign Pedro is unclear, but he is the player they want to lead their line.
