By OkayGoal 
Chelsea are set to offer Joao Pedro a new contract after the striker’s first season at Stamford Bridge.
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As reported on The Athletic Chelsea are now planning to extend those terms, with the Brazil international regarded as a key player under head coach Xabi Alonso.
Barcelona have previously shown an interest in Joao Pedro. The Athletic reported in June that the Spanish club admired the forward, but Chelsea have made him one of the players they do not intend to sell this summer.
Joao is also expected to be one of a number of Chelsea players offered improved contracts in the coming weeks.
The forward scored 23 goals and registered nine assists in 53 appearances in his debut season, finishing the campaign as Chelsea’s leading striker.
Speaking in April, he said last season had been “one of the best” of his career.
“I’m very happy,” he said. “I think it’s been one of the best seasons of my life.
“I think the expectations from me were high, so I try to keep my mentality always forward to help my team-mates.”
He has started pre-season in good form, scoring a nine-minute hat-trick in Chelsea’s 6-4 win over Western Sydney Warriors on 28 July.