English Premier League
Chelsea move to reward Joao Pedro as Barcelona interest grows
Chelsea are preparing to improve Joao Pedro’s contract after the Brazil international established himself as a key player in the team following his move from Brighton last summer.
The 24-year-old joined Chelsea in a deal worth more than £50m and signed a seven-year contract that runs until 2032. However, sources familiar with the situation have told The Athletic that the club now intends to reward the forward by improving the terms of his existing agreement.
The move comes after Joao Pedro emerged as a player admired by Barcelona. The Athletic reported in June that Chelsea were aware of interest from other clubs and had subsequently classified the striker among the players they do not intend to make available for transfer this summer.
Joao Pedro is not the only member of Chelsea’s squad expected to agree a new arrangement with the club in the coming weeks. Chelsea are considering fresh deals for several players, although the report identifies the Brazilian forward as one of those they particularly want to retain.
He enjoyed a highly productive first campaign at Stamford Bridge, scoring 23 goals and providing nine assists in 53 appearances. Those figures helped establish Joao Pedro as Chelsea’s first-choice attacking option, while The Athletic also selected him as the club’s player of the season.
The forward described the campaign as one of the best of his career during an interview with Chelsea in April.
“I’m very happy. I think it was one of the best seasons of my life. I think the expectations people had of me were high, so I’m always trying to keep my mentality moving forward to help my team-mates,” he said.
Joao Pedro has also won eight caps for Brazil. Despite his contribution at club level, he was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.
He continued his impressive form in Chelsea’s pre-season campaign on 28 July, scoring a hat-trick in the space of nine minutes during a 6-4 victory against Western Sydney Wanderers.
The performance underlined the attacking impact Joao Pedro has made since arriving from Brighton and reinforced Chelsea’s desire to secure his long-term future. His current deal already ties him to the club until 2032, but an improved contract would represent further recognition of his importance to the side after just one season in west London.
Chelsea’s decision to regard him as unavailable this summer also provides a clear indication of the club’s position despite Barcelona’s reported admiration. With the forward now central to the attack and delivering regular goals and assists, the club’s priority is to strengthen its commitment to him rather than consider offers from elsewhere.
