Chelsea have won the race to sign Brighton striker Joao Pedro, agreeing a deal price ‘in excess of £50m,’ in keeping with reports.
Newcastle were also excited by the Brazil international during this transfer window, however the Blues have gotten their man.
The Athletic report that a fee has been agreed with the Seagulls that’s north of the £50m mark and private terms were no problem.
Pedro was keen on the move to Stamford Bridge and has agreed a seven-year contract with Chelsea, running until 2032.
Pedro moved to Brighton from Watford in 2023 for £30m and had two solid, if not spectacular, seasons with the Seagulls.
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His two Premier League campaigns produced 19 goals in 58 appearances, while he netted 30 goals in 70 outings across all competitions.
He won his first of three Brazil caps in 2023 but is yet to search out the back of the web for his country.
Pedro’s move is yet to be confirmed, with a medial still to be carried out, but there will not be expected to be any issue and the striker is prone to join his latest teammates on the Club World Cup in America.
Chelsea are revamping their options in attack this summer having already signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m.
The 22-year-old has already scored his first goal for the club through the Club World Cup and can hope to play usually over the approaching season.
Nicolas Jackson stays on the club, but his future is doubtful after the arrival of Delap and the incoming Pedro.
In a surprise twist, Arsenal have reported to carry an interest in Jackson as they proceed their seek for a brand new striker this summer.
The Gunners need to sign not less than one centre-forward, with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko the 2 likeliest candidates.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins stays a possibility, while Jackson has emerged as a possibility, but seems the least likely of the 4 after two inconsistent seasons with Chelsea.
The Senegal international has scored 30 goals in 80 appearances across all competitions since his move from Villarreal.
At times he has looked very threatening and definitely has loads of impressive attributes, but his ending has been questioned and has missed numerous probabilities in a Chelsea shirt.
Christopher Nkunku has also been linked with an exit after an underwhelming season last time round during which he struggled to carry down a spot within the starting XI.
Nevertheless, he did rating a vital goal for the Blues of their Club World Cup last 16 win over Benfica on Saturday.
Pedro vs Jackson vs Delap
Premier League records
Joao Pedro
Apps: 89 Goals: 22 Assists: 10
Nicolas Jackson
Apps: 65 Goals: 24 Assists: 10
Liam Delap
Apps: 39 Goals: 12 Assists: 2
One other signing is predicted to be accomplished within the near future at Stamford Bridge, with Jamie Gittens set to reach from Borussia Dortmund in a £55m deal.
The Blues will not be rushing the deal as Gittens has already featured for Dortmund within the Club World Cup, meaning he wouldn’t have the option to play for Maresca in the US.
But Gittens should still link up together with his latest Chelsea teammates within the US, with the Blues preparing the second a part of his medical.
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