Updated: 19 May 2026 15:28 BST |
5 min read
Chelsea have suffered a blow in their hopes of keeping hold of Joao Pedro after being told Barcelona have turned down the chance to sign Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush instead, according to reports in Spain.
Spanish heavyweights Barcelona are scouring the market for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, with the Poland striker having announced he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Athletic are reporting that Hansi Flick’s side have made Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez their dream summer target, though Spanish publication SPORT claim they cannot afford Atletico’s €150million (£130m) asking price.
Widespread reports have indicated Barcelona have earmarked Chelsea forward Pedro as a cheaper alternative to Alvarez, with ESPN Brazil claiming he holds a price tag of €100m (£86.7m) heading into the summer.
Such is the Blaugrana’s reported interest in Pedro that the club’s sporting director Deco attended last weekend’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City to run the rule over the attacker, as per the Daily Mail.
Pedro has seen his profile reach new heights following a brilliant first season at Stamford Bridge, with the 24-year-old having scored 20 goals in all competitions for the west Londoners.
But while Chelsea are understood to have told new manager Xabi Alonso they will not sell Pedro if he wants to keep him, according to SPORT, the same Spanish publication claims Barcelona are not ready to back down in their pursuit.
SPORT claims Barcelona chief Deco is not interested in signing Egypt international Marmoush as an alternative to Pedro, despite being made aware of Man City’s reported willingness to sell him for slightly less than what they paid for him.
Marmoush joined Pep Guardiola’s side from Eintracht Frankfurt for €68m (£59m) in January 2025 and the 27-year-old has since scored 16 goals in 60 appearances for the 10-time league champions.
As speculation continues to swirl surrounding Pedro’s future, the former Brighton and Hove Albion man will be hoping to end his Premier League season on a high when Chelsea entertain relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur this evening, before travelling to Sunderland on Sunday.
Pedro a surprise exclusion from Brazil’s World Cup squad
Pedro was a shock omission from Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, missing out on a place to forwards Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Luiz Henrique, Rayan and Neymar.
However, in a statement circulated on social media, Pedro handled his exclusion with class, saying: “I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfil this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be
“Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.”
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