MusaChelsea are looking to sign Brighton ace Joao Pedro this summer.
Pedro, 23, is keen to leave the Amex Stadium this transfer window, with Newcastle United making a strong bid to sign the Brazilian.
However, the former Watford man is keen on a London-based club and has now found himself on Chelsea’s summer transfer list.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote: “It is understood Chelsea have Brighton’s Joao Pedro as one of their summer targets, highly regarded.
“Initial contacts have been made to get an update on the situation, as Joao could leave this summer. Newcastle have already made contact with Brighton this week.”
It is a potential blow to Newcastle’s transfer plans as Eddie Howe hopes to bolster his attacking options as they prepare for next season’s Champions League.
Pedro’s desire to be in the capital could tip the race in Chelsea’s favour.
Brighton signed Pedro from Watford in 2023 for a then-record £30m. He has scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 70 appearances for the Seagulls and is under contract until June 2028.
Pedro has a £60m asking price but multiple bidders could see that figure rise.
Liverpool and Arsenal have previously been linked with the player, who reportedly stated his intention to leave Brighton towards the end of last season.
The verdict
Chelsea and Brighton are no strangers to joint ventures. Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo and Rob Sanchez have moved from the south coast to west London in recent windows.
Caicedo was sold for £115m and Sanchez for £25m. The season before, Chelsea paid Brighton £62m for Spanish left-back Cucurello and a record £21.5m in compensation for former head coach Graham Potter and his backroom staff.
Chelsea certainly have the financial means to make the move happen, and they are fulfilling Pedro’s desire to live in London. The Blues, like Newcastle, will play in the Champions League next season and are keen to improve their squad despite the arrival of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
Brighton are well-covered in attack and have prepared for Pedro’s departure with the signings of Greek strikers Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas.
The Seagulls also have Danny Welbeck, Georgini Rutter and Evan Ferguson.
Pedro at Chelsea makes sense but the clubs need to agree a deal payment.
Musa
