Deco scouts Chelsea forward Joao Pedro in London amid Barcelona interest

Barcelona sporting director Deco has traveled to London to personally scout Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, signaling the Spanish club's serious interest in the Brazilian as a potential long-term replacement for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The executive's trip coincides with the FA Cup final, where Pedro's Chelsea side faced Manchester City on Saturday.

Deco, a former Chelsea midfielder, is reportedly in the British capital for a series of meetings this week to formulate Barcelona's summer transfer plans. Multiple reports indicate the club has identified the 24-year-old Pedro as a prime candidate to eventually succeed Lewandowski, who is 37 and nearing the end of his career at the Camp Nou. While Barcelona also maintains an interest in Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, financial constraints mean the Spanish giants are exploring multiple options.

Chelsea, however, are said to have no intention of selling a player they signed from Brighton for a reported £55 million less than a year ago. The club views Pedro as a key part of their future plans, citing his successful first season in which he scored 23 goals across all competitions. His current contract runs until 2033.