Barcelona have taken definitive steps in their aggressive pursuit of Chelsea's Joao Pedro, with club legend and sporting advisor Deco now stationed in...
Barcelona have taken definitive steps in their aggressive pursuit of Chelsea's Joao Pedro, with club legend and sporting advisor Deco now stationed in London to personally witness the Nigerian international's performance in the FA Cup final. The Catalan giants, according to sources close to GoalZaza, are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to secure the services of the formidable forward who has taken English football by storm since his arrival from Brighton last summer. Pedro, who announced himself in spectacular fashion during Chelsea's memorable Club World Cup triumph, has since added a string of clinical finishes to his growing reputation. At the end of the day, the powers that be at the Camp Nou see the Super Eagles talisman as the ideal focal point for their attacking rebuild. Deco's presence at Wembley is the lion's share of evidence that Barcelona are prepared to flex their financial muscle, despite their well documented budgetary constraints. The 24 year old striker has been a revelation in the Premier League, using his powerful frame and swift boots to torment defences week in and week out. His ability to give a good account of himself in high pressure situations has caught the eye of Barcelona manager Xavi, who is desperate for a clinical finisher to lead his line. In the scheme of things, this transfer would represent a major statement of intent from the Blaugrana, who are determined to reclaim their place among Europe's elite. Chelsea, however, are under no pressure to sell their prized asset, having invested heavily in his signature just one year ago. The Blues value Pedro in the region of. ��128 billion, roughly £80 million, and will demand nothing less than that figure if they are to entertain any offers. Barcelona's current offer, believed to be structured with performance related bonuses, falls short of that valuation. But with Deco now personally overseeing negotiations, the expectation is that both clubs will find common ground before the summer transfer window slams shut. For the Nigerian faithful, watching Pedro develop into a world class striker has been a source of immense pride. Should this move materialise, he would join a lineage of African greats who have graced the Camp Nou pitch. The Super Eagles star has already proven he can deliver on the biggest stages, and a switch to La Liga would only enhance his already impressive credentials. Back home in Lagos and Abuja, the viewing centres will be buzzing with debate over this potential transfer. Fans at the popular Jabi Lake Mall viewing centre in Abuja will surely be arguing late into the night, with some insisting Pedro should remain at Chelsea to cement his legacy in the Premier League, while others will be dreaming of seeing their hero don the famous Blaugrana kit. In Surulere, the regulars at the Agege Stadium viewing centre will be waving their Super Eagles scarves and chanting for Deco to get the deal done, knowing full well what a move of this magnitude would mean for Nigerian football on the global stage.
