Chelsea ready to trigger €30m buyout clause in swoop for Barcelona’s Pedro

Spain forward Pedro will meet the Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique, today to discuss his future amid suggestions Chelsea are prepared to trigger the €30 million buyout clause in his contract at the Camp Nou.

Pedro signed a contract extension through to 2019 in June but admitted earlier this week that Barca had received inquiries as to his availability this summer. While Luis Enrique is hopeful of retaining the player, he would be powerless to stop him leaving if a sufficient bid is received.

The buyout clause had been dramatically lowered in the 27-year-old’s new deal, from €150 million to the current figure, which has effectively opened the door to a move.

No final decision will be made until July 18th when Barcelona’s presidential elections will take place with Ramon Adell’s current board now blocked from sanctioning transfers, both incoming and outgoing, from the club.

Other candidates for the presidency had criticised the decision to purchase Arda Turan from Atlético Madrid after Josep Bartomeu, who stood down to prompt new elections, gave the green light for that deal to be concluded.

Pedro, a World Cup and European Championship winner who graduated through Barca’s youth system, will return for pre-season training today and have talks with his manager. The player has found opportunities more limited since Luis Suárez’s arrival from Liverpool a year ago.

“I don’t want anyone to leave but there is a clause,” said Luis Enrique. “We have to respect his decision. I do not guarantee anyone playing time.” Guardian Service