Calum McFarlane has insisted Joao Pedro is content at Chelsea despite the forward being heavily linked with a summer transfer to Barcelona FC. The 24-year-old, who is the Blues’ leading scorer this season with 20 goals across all competitions, is unsurprisingly drawing attention from Europe’s heavyweight clubs.
Barca are keen on Joao Pedro, sources say, with the newly-crowned La Liga champions weighing up a potential swoop for the Brazilian after just one season at Stamford Bridge. Reports emerging from Spain have suggested the former Brighton attacker is attracted by Barca’s interest, yet McFarlane has maintained that his top scorer appears perfectly settled at the club for the time being.
“Joao seems happy,” said the Chelsea interim head coach. “I think his performance levels have shown that he’s in a good place physically and mentally. Joao seems in a really good place.”
Sources close to the club have stressed that Chelsea will not be pressured into selling their key assets despite missing out on Champions League qualification.
Enzo Fernandez continues to be the subject of transfer speculation away from west London this summer, having courted Real Madrid’s attention during the March international break.
McFarlane appeared reluctant to address rumours linking the Argentine with a summer departure, but was keen to underline his significance to the squad. He said: “Enzo’s the vice-captain. So when Reece [James] isn’t available, Enzo has been captain all year. I think he’s had a brilliant season, scored some really important goals.
“Also, goals and assists contribution has been at a really, really high level. So yeah, he’s performed really well. We’re really pleased with Enzo and I hope it continues.”
Both Real Madrid and Manchester City have been linked with a move for Fernandez, who put contract renewal talks with Chelsea on hold earlier in the campaign after the two parties failed to reach an agreement on terms.