Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of securing the services of Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro in a deal worth £55 million, potentially rising to £60 million with add-ons. The Brazilian forward is expected to sign a seven-year contract with the Blues, marking another significant addition to Enzo Maresca's squad.
The 23-year-old is reportedly en route from Brazil to the United States to undergo a medical, with the hope of finalizing the transfer in time for him to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea are scheduled to face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals in Philadelphia, and Pedro's registration needs to be completed by July 3rd to be eligible for the tournament.
Pedro's potential arrival at Stamford Bridge comes amidst competition from Newcastle United, who reportedly had a £50 million-plus bid rejected. However, it seems Pedro has his heart set on a move to West London, with personal terms already agreed upon.
The transfer signifies Chelsea's continued investment in young talent under the ownership of Todd Boehly's consortium. The Blues have already secured the signing of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for £55 million. With the potential addition of Pedro, Chelsea's attacking options will be further bolstered.
Joao Pedro's versatility is a key asset that appeals to Chelsea. He is capable of playing as a central striker or as a wide attacker, making him a valuable asset in Enzo Maresca's tactical system. During his two-year spell at Brighton, Pedro scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 70 appearances.
Brighton signed Pedro from Watford in 2023 for around £30 million. His move to Chelsea represents another shrewd piece of business by the Seagulls, who are known for their clever dealings in the transfer market.
This potential signing raises questions about the future of current Chelsea players, with Christopher Nkunku possibly leaving and Manchester United interested in him.
Chelsea's active pursuit of young talents like Pedro and Gittens demonstrates their commitment to building a dynamic and youthful squad. With the Club World Cup around the corner, the potential addition of Joao Pedro could provide a significant boost to Chelsea's chances of success.
