The post-Robert Lewandowski world at Barcelona is certainly being solidified. After encountering roadblocks in talks for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, sporting director Deco has officially landed on Joao Pedro as the club's main summer target.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the transfer has reached a crucial juncture and a massive driving force behind this deal is the player himself, who has set his sights on the Nou Camp.
The €100m valuation
We expect an uneasy negotiation between the Premier League side and Barca. Chelsea has slapped a valuation of roughly €100m on their 24-year-old Brazilian attacker. Having just won Chelsea's player of the season award after a 20 goal contribution this campaign, his market value has never been higher.
On top of this, with a contract that runs until 2033, the London based club is in complete control of this situation and have absolutely no financial reason to let their main forward go for cheap.
Deco's weeks of groundwork
Regardless of this astronomical asking price, Barcelona have put themselves in the driver’s seat without letting Chelsea know about it. Deco has been in constant communication with Joo Pedro's agent for weeks. The negotiations kicked off in April and heated up significantly this past week before the representative flew to London.
Even without meeting him face-to-face, the Catalan club’s sporting department were able to convince the player that he is Barcelona's number one priority to lead the line next season.
Following in the footsteps of his idols
Joao Pedro knows that Barcelona want him and he is willing to take his destiny into his own hands. The reports suggest that he will actively speak with his club’s management about leaving for Catalonia. And as it turns out, this move isn't just about football.
Growing up in Brazil, he worshipped idols like Ronaldinho and Neymar and wearing the blaugrana shirt has been his ultimate career aspiration. This Barcelona move marks Joao Pedro's final step in joining the pantheon of elite European footballers, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen, even if it requires forcing Chelsea to negotiate on the price tag.
What's next for him?
The entire outcome of this saga relies solely on the pressure that the player is able to apply to the hierarchy in London. Barcelona have set a maximum of €100m for the striker position. However, Barcelona do not possess the capital to splash out €100m at once, and are looking at a deal to be paid in installments.
If Joao Pedro wants to join the path of his Brazilian heroes, he must find a way to make Chelsea open their first direct talks with Deco and grant a negotiable deal.
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