Chelsea beat Newcastle in race for Joao Pedro with big-money deal agreed

Chelsea have won the race to sign Brighton striker Joao Pedro, agreeing a deal worth ‘in excess of £50m,’ according to reports.

Newcastle were also interested in the Brazil international during this transfer window, but the Blues have got their man.

The Athletic report that a fee has been agreed with the Seagulls that is north of the £50m mark and personal 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.

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 find the back of the net for his country.

Pedro’s move is yet to be confirmed, with a medial still to be carried out, but there is not expected to be any issue and the striker is likely to join his new teammates at 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 during the Club World Cup and will hope to play regularly over the coming season.

Nicolas Jackson remains at the club, but his future is in doubt after the arrival of Delap and the incoming Pedro.

In a surprise twist, Arsenal have reported to hold an interest in Jackson as they continue their search for a new striker this summer.

The Gunners are looking to sign at least one centre-forward, with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko the two likeliest candidates.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins remains a possibility, while Jackson has emerged as a possibility, but seems the least likely of the four 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 certainly has plenty of impressive attributes, but his finishing has been questioned and has missed a lot of chances in a Chelsea shirt.

Another signing is expected to be completed in the near future at Stamford Bridge, with Jamie Gittens set to arrive from Borussia Dortmund in a £55m deal.

The Blues are not rushing the deal as Gittens has already featured for Dortmund in the Club World Cup, meaning he would not be able to play for Maresca in the United States.

But Gittens may still link up with his new Chelsea teammates in the US, with the Blues preparing the second part of his medical.