Chelsea turn down £85m Arsenal interest in star forward

Chelsea are renewing Joao Pedro’s contract amid interest from Arsenal and FC Barcelona, according to a report from Brazil.

Joao Pedro of Chelsea celebrates scoring a goal during the Sydney Super Cup match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Accor Stadium on July 28, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) — Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte report that Chelsea are extending Joao Pedro’s contract from 2032 to 2033, with a considerable salary increase, amid interest in the player from Arsenal and FC Barcelona.

Globo Esporte claim Arsenal and Barcelona indicated they would be willing to pay €100m+ (£85.6m) for Pedro, but Chelsea immediately closed the door, declared the player not-for-sale, and called for contract talks.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion waits to take his first penalty of the game during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Leicester City FC at Amex Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) — Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

There’s little doubt that Arsenal had interest in Pedro in the past, having been quite heavily linked with a move while the striker was still playing for Brighton and Hove Albion last year.

Chelsea ended up signing the Brazil international, whilst Arsenal opted to bring in other targets. Reports at the time suggested Newcastle United were the only club genuinely rivalling Chelsea in formal negotiations last summer.

So Arsenal didn’t make a serious move in 2025, and there’s been no suggestion in the English media that the Gunners have been pushing to bring in Pedro in 2026.

Joao Pedro of Chelsea takes to the field prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at Stadium of Light on May 24, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) — Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Arsenal’s target positions for new signings are pretty clear, with the club hoping to sign a new centre-back, a midfielder, and a left-winger.

Given the likely cost of the midfield and left-wing signings (Arsenal are pursuing Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior), it’s hard to see how the club ever would have thought another £85m+ deal for Pedro would have been possible.

Regardless of the truth of the Arsenal links, Pedro will be extending his stay with Chelsea.

arsenal v chelsea carabao cup semi final second leg 5 — Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

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