While Barcelona’s wait to officially defend their La Liga crown might have been extended for a few more days, the Spanish heavyweights have embarked on another sensational domestic romp this season.
Once again underlining their status as Spain’s ultimate poster boy and retaining their domestic title at a canter, Hansi Flick’s side are already planning for what could be a blockbuster summer behind the scenes in Catalonia.
With growing speculation that Polish icon Robert Lewandowski could be set to draw a line under his four-year spell at the Nou Camp, Flick’s side have a new number nine on their summer agenda.
While Barca might remain heavily linked with a bank-breaking move for Atletico Madrid talisman Julian Alvarez, it has been suggested that some in Catalonia have identified Joao Pedro as their preferred target.
Pedro’s immediate impact in west London
While Chelsea might have endured another public rollercoaster at Stamford Bridge this season following the high-profile departures of both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, their new attacking talisman has certainly been one of the few bright sparks in SW6.
Only arriving at the former Premier League champions last summer following a £60million move from Brighton, Pedro has been a smash hit in west London and finds his stock at a red-hot high.
While England international Cole Palmer might have endured a largely frustrating campaign, Pedro has continued to spearhead Chelsea’s charge and appears to be the Blues’ standout contender to lift their Player of the Season award.
Although the Brazilian marksman might have failed to register a Premier League strike since notching a sensational hat-trick during Chelsea’s 4-1 victory away at Aston Villa on March 4th, the 24-year-old has received a string of plaudits around west London.
Notching 14 Premier League strikes in his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge, the one-time Watford youngster has also broken a string of individual records during the 2025/26 campaign.
Set to be part of Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer, Pedro is reportedly attracting plenty of interest from across the continent and Marca suggested over the weekend that Barcelona have held internal discussions over what would be a blockbuster summer swoop.
With Marca’s report suggesting that some in the Catalonia hierarchy have identified Pedro as Lewanowski’s long-term replacement at the Nou Camp.
Joao Pedro in his last 12 games for Chelsea in all competitions:
⚽️ 11 goals
🅰️ 2 assistsIncredible form 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5y4bBYsMhW
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 7, 2026
Could Fernandez follow Pedro out the Stamford Bridge?
Handed a public two-match suspension by the Chelsea hierarchy last month following comments he made during March’s international break, it is no surprise that Enzo Fernandez is expected to be at the heart of a public transfer saga this summer.
While the Argentinian international might have been in possession of Chelsea’s captain’s armband for large spells of this season, the former Benfica starlet has refused to commit hit future to the former Premier League champions.
Although the Blues might have made it clear that they want their midfield general to put pen to paper on a new deal at Stamford Bridge, it has been heavily suggested that Fernandez is keen on a new adventure outside of SW6.
With Real Madrid shockingly failing to get their hands on a single piece of silverware for consecutive campaigns, the Spanish giants are expected to oversee a complete overhaul across the board.
With interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa set to leave the Spanish capital this summer and the search for a new permeant boss firmly on, it has also been reported that Los Blancos have a new central midfielder at the top of their wishlist.
Clearly hinting back in March that he would be keen on a move to the 15-time European champions, it has also been suggested that Fernandez’s sole focus is to complete a summer switch to Madrid.
🚨👀 Enzo Fernández: “I always tell my wife Valu that if I have to choose a city to live in Europe, I really like Madrid”.
“It’s very similar to Buenos Aires, also because of the food”, told Luzu Tv. 🥘 pic.twitter.com/aEgGeFs0EE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 1, 2026