(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 24 May 2026 13:00, UK

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Joao Pedro is highly unlikely to be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer as Xabi Alonso puts new plans in place, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a strong first season at Stamford Bridge and was named as the club’s player of the season despite what has been a turbulent year.

While those performances have made him a valuable asset for the Blues, they have also attracted interest from a number of top clubs across Europe.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Barcelona want to sign Pedro as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

The Brazil international has been a long-term target for Barcelona, but will struggle to get a deal over the line as Chelsea make ambitious transfer plans for the summer.

Could Barcelona tempt Joao Pedro away from Chelsea?

Football Insider revealed on 23 May that Barcelona could accelerate a move for Pedro after he was surprisingly left out of the Brazil squad for the World Cup.

However, Alonso is set to block any move for Pedro as he views the forward as a key part of his plans for the upcoming season at Stamford Bridge.

The new boss is planning to build his team around the talented forward and will step in to prevent any move away from Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “He’s been one of Chelsea’s shining lights in a real disappointing season for them.

“I’m sure Chelsea won’t want to entertain any interest from Barcelona.

“Barcelona are looking at him as they are looking for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski but I think he’d probably be a bit too expensive for Barcelona right now.

“Chelsea will try to price him out of a move because Xabi Alonso will be very keen to keep hold of somebody like Joao Pedro for next season and build his team around him.

“There might be interest in Barcelona but I don’t see Chelsea being open to even entertaining it, he will be a key part of their plans for the future.”

Could Xabi Alonso move to sign a new striker for Chelsea?

Pedro has established himself as a key part of the Chelsea team this season, and the Blues are keen to ensure he remains so for the foreseeable future.

However, amid ongoing speculation about the forward’s future, there have also been suggestions that Alonso could move to bolster his attacking options.

Football Insider revealed on 23 May that Alonso is eyeing a “big” striker signing as he aims to strengthen his Chelsea squad in key positions over the summer.

That comes alongside suggestions that Liam Delap could be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

Both Newcastle and Everton have been heavily linked with moves for the centre-forward since last summer and could be tempted to move if he becomes available.