Some transfer pursuits are conducted at a distance.
Normally where representatives exchange emails.
Or subtle signals sent from one club to another.
However, on this ocassion, Barcelona are not conducting this one from a distance.
Deco flies to London, attending the FA Cup final to personally scout Joao Pedro
According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona sporting director Deco, travelled to London this week for a series of high-level meetings, with Joao Pedro at the very top of the agenda.
The ex-Chelsea midfielder personally met with Pedro’s agents during his time in the city.
And he was present at Wembley for the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City, watching the Brazilian in action at the highest level, in person, with a transfer in mind.
The trip was handled with deliberate secrecy.
Chelsea have made clear, that they have no intention of selling a player they signed from Brighton just last summer for £55 million.
A player who scored 20 goals across all competitions in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, in an underwhelming season for the club.
But Barcelona appear prepared to push regardless.
The pivot toward Pedro has been accelerated by a single, pressing development.
The official confirmation that Robert Lewandowski will leave Barcelona at the end of this season.
The Polish legend’s departure leaves a significant void in the number nine position, with Al Hilal set to sign the Barcelona superstar.
However, the financial gap is the most significant obstacle.
Chelsea value Joao Pedro closer to £85 million given his age, his contract length and his output.
Barcelona, constrained by financial fair play regulations and a wage bill still being restructured, are hoping to negotiate something closer to £60 million.
That gap is real.
And bridging it won’t be straightforward.
But Deco didn’t fly to London just to look.
He came to open a door Chelsea insist is closed.
And the summer will decide whether he managed to open it.
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