Pedro's switch to Chelsea appeared to move a step closer as the winger missed training with Barcelona on Thursday.
The Premier League leaders are expected to complete a deal for the Spain forward after Manchester United withdrew their interest.
"Pedro Rodriguez was given special permission by the club to miss training in order to concentrate on matters concerning his future," read a story on Barcelona's official website ahead of the Primera Division season-opener with Athletic Bilbao.
Jose Mourinho has acted quickly and decisively in the transfer market after Chelsea endured their worst start to a season in 17 years.
Shortly after their 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, Chelsea signed left-back Baba Rahman from Augsburg for £21million, and on Wednesday it emerged they were close to signing Pedro.
The Barcelona forward had been in talks with United, but they are no longer in the running for the 28-year-old's signature.
United sources insist Van Gaal decided against signing the Spain forward after it became apparent he had reservations about moving to Old Trafford.
That may come as a surprise to United fans, who were hopeful of seeing the forward in Manchester soon after executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward flew to Catalonia on Monday in an attempt to seal a deal for the player.
It now looks like Chelsea's £21million move for Pedro could go through on Thursday, providing the player successfully passes his medical.
The Blues also hope to conclude the signing of Everton defender John Stones before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
Source: PA
