chelsea Despite being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad and seeing transfer speculation quiet over the past few days, it appears that striker Joao Pedro is refusing to make a switch this summer.
The 24-year-old has spent most of the last month at center back Reports link him to Barcelona. However, those stories now look increasingly unlikely to go anywhere, largely due to Chelsea's valuation.
according to espn brazilThe Blues have made it clear that they will not consider an offer of less than €120m (£101m) for the forward – a figure that effectively puts him beyond Barcelona's current reach.
This differs from previous reports which suggested negotiations could be possible. Start around the €100 million (£84.3 million) mark. So Joao Pedro looks set to stay at Stamford Bridge next season.
Chelsea's move leaves little space for Barcelona
The Brazilian only arrived last summer and has quickly established himself as one of the club's most productive attacking players.
The club has spent years looking for stability in the striker position. joao pedro Eventually some of it was provided. He finished the season with 20 goals and six assists in 53 games.
Selling him after one season would immediately create another problem to solve.
That's why Barcelona's interest has always depended on Chelsea softening its position. Instead, the opposite appears to have happened.
The latest figures reported in Brazil suggest Chelsea have become even more determined to keep hold of him.
World Cup hopes are still alive
While his club's future looks straightforward, Joao Pedro has another priority.
The striker was disappointed not to be included in Carlo Ancelotti's final World Cup squad and was hopeful of his inclusion.
However, instead of going on leave immediately, they have decided to stay prepared.
According to ESPN, Joao Pedro is continuing to train twice a day from home, including physiotherapy sessions, while he waits to see if he gets a chance before FIFA's final squad deadline on June 12.
The reason is quite simple. With Neymar currently struggling with a calf injury, Joao Pedro believes a late call-up remains a real possibility if Brazil need to make changes in attacking areas.
The report states that they have completely postponed vacation plans, while this possibility is still open.
Initially, the expectation was that he would remain in London as he believed the World Cup venue was coming up. Now, he's stopping for a different reason – in case someone still comes by.
what happens next
Unless something dramatic changes before June 12, Joao Pedro is expected to spend part of his summer with family in Rio de Janeiro.
However, until then he does not seem ready to part completely. That mentality probably says a lot about why Chelsea value him so highly.
While Barcelona's pursuit is fizzling out, Joao Pedro is still preparing as if the biggest opportunity of his career could arrive at any moment.
And for now, Chelsea's asking price is likely to ensure that opportunity will come with the Brazilian rather than a move elsewhere.
