Chelsea prepared to sell Joao Pedro to fund transfer for global superstar

Joao Pedro could be sold by Chelsea, according to reports, as well as missing out on a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup.

Pedro has enjoyed a solid debut campaign in London after joining Chelsea from Brighton in a deal worth £60m just days before winning the Club World Cup at his new team.

The Brazilian has netted 15 Premier League goals and three in the Champions League but it wasn’t enough to earn a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup which has left Chelsea fans bemused.

Ancelotti snubbed the 24-year-old in favour of Neymar as well as Zenit St. Petersburg’s Luis Henrique who has scored just five league goals in 28 appearances.

Pedro wrote on his Instagram story: “I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill 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."

Despite an excellent first season at Stamford Bridge, speculation is rife that Pedro could leave the club after just one year.

Various reports suggest Barcelona are interested in the forward to replace the departing Robert Lewandowski, with Fabrizio Romano confirming initial contact has taken place between the two parties.

Incoming manager Xabi Alonso is willing to sell Pedro to the Spanish champions as he fears the striker would be unhappy if the move was denied, as reported by AS.

If Pedro was to depart, his replacement could be Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, a forward regularly linked with a move to the Premier League.

Victor Osimhen is wanted by Chelsea (Getty)

The Nigerian left Napoli for Turkey permanently last summer and has continued his electric form in front of goal, netting 15 league goals as well as seven in the Champions League.

Chelsea are back in the mix to finally bring the 27-year-old to England, as per TEAMTalk, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also interested.

The report suggests intermediaries have held initial talks over another big-money move to a top European club for the Nigeria international but Galatasaray are set to demand over £87m to sign him.

Fabrizio Romano issues Joao Pedro future update

Despite the report by AS stating Alonso is willing to allow Pedro to leave, Romano reports Chelsea’s ownership group BlueCo see him as a vital player for the future.

The Italian journalist said via his YouTube channel: “So, at the moment, the understanding is that, yes, Barcelona like Joao Pedro and had some conversations with those close to Joao Pedro is true, but at the moment, Chelsea’s position is very clear.

“They want Joao Pedro to be an important part of the squad, not just for the present as he is, but also for the future.

“And they want Joao Pedro to be a crucial part of the squad, also under Xabi Alonso.

“Chelsea believe that Joao Pedro can be fantastic under Xabi Alonso, as he was already this season in a complicated season.

“They can imagine Joao can do even better with Xabi Alonso, and so that’s Chelsea's position.

“They absolutely want Joao Pedro to stay.”