Barcelona had João Pedro within reach - then walked away

João Pedro is closing in on a new contract at Chelsea, but there was a moment this summer when Barcelona could have changed his trajectory. The Brazilian forward was uncertain about his future in west London back in June. Barcelona pushed forward with an €80m offer for the 24-year-old and Chelsea didn't shut the door. Pedro, for his part, liked the idea of the move. In the end, Barcelona made a strategic pivot, turning their attention toward Anthony Gordon at Newcastle and a pursuit of Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez. Pedro now heads into the new campaign after a productive season - 20 goals and 5 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.