La Liga champions Barcelona saw the signing of Chelsea striker João Pedro as a serious possibility earlier this summer, but ultimately opted against pursuing the Brazilian for a frontman who has since committed his long-term future to Stamford Bridge.

According to Diario Sport, Barcelona had a genuine opening to land the Chelsea number nine during the June transfer window as they scoured the market for attacking reinforcements.

The report states that Pedro was among the candidates taken into consideration by the Barcelona board led by sporting director Deco during their search up top. The Brazilian was loosely tipped to take his talents to Catalunya's capital following the opening of the transfer window.

However, the Camp Nou hierarchy ultimately decided against pulling the trigger on an offer for the forward, who has since agreed to the terms of a new long-term contract at Chelsea.

So why exactly did the Barcelona board make this call? Sport report that although Barça "had a real chance to sign Chelsea's number 9 in June", the club "prioritised the incorporation of Anthony Gordon and opted for the Julián Álvarez operation" instead.

Pedro, it is added, was nothing short of "crazy" to link up with Hansi Flick's squad and was left disappointed by the eventual outcome of the saga as he looked towards a move to Catalonia.

The news highlights the club's approach to summer recruitment, with Barcelona weighing multiple attacking options before settling on their preferred targets.