Barcelona sporting director Deco has held a crucial meeting with a €100m Chelsea star over a potential move.
The visit underlines how seriously Barcelona is treating this pursuit, as they look to act early and avoid a drawn-out market battle later in the summer.
With the club still focused on strengthening the forward line while keeping a close eye on financial control, the meeting is being seen as a strategic step rather than a casual discussion.
It also suggests Barcelona is ready to push ahead with real intent.
The player at the center of the talks is Joao Pedro, who has emerged as Barcelona’s priority option in attack, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Deco is in the English capital to meet the Brazilian representatives, while a face-to-face conversation with the player himself is also possible during the visit.
Barcelona’s interest makes sense given the club’s need to strengthen its forward line and the financial caution guiding its transfer strategy.
Rather than chasing the most expensive names on the market, the Catalans appear to be focusing on a deal that is ambitious but more manageable, and Joao Pedro has quickly moved to the front of the queue.
The timing of the trip adds extra intrigue. Deco may also attend the FA Cup final at Wembley, where Chelsea are involved, giving him a chance to assess the striker in a high-pressure setting before any formal push gathers pace.
It is a signal that the club wants to stay ahead of rival interest, build relationships with the player’s camp, and lay the groundwork for a possible summer move before the market becomes crowded.
If the talks progress positively, this could become one of Barca’s most important early transfer moves of the window.
Deco’s London mission suggests the club is not simply watching developments from afar, but actively trying to turn a strong target into a realistic signing.
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