Newcastle United are reportedly worried that Chelsea will sign Brighton’s Joao Pedro as they hope to land him.
Eddie Howe hopes to bring in a new striker this summer in order to replace Callum Wilson, who left the club as a free agent. Wilson had been at St James’ Park for five seasons, but the 33-year-old’s contract expired and he is now available to sign.
It leaves the Magpies with just Alexander Isak, and youngster William Osula, so they are hoping to bring someone else in to take some of the heat off Isak, as he is their most-reliant player at the moment.
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Newcastle believed that they identified the target in the form of Brighton attacker Joao Pedro, but the striker is in demand, and they are now worried about competition for the Brazilian.
According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are preparing a formal move for Pedro, who has been valued by the Seagulls at £70m. However, Newcastle are worried about getting dragged into a bidding war for the forward, and they are particularly concerned about interest from Chelsea.
The Blues did sign Liam Delap to add to their front line, but amid the uncertainty surrounding Christopher Nkunku, the Blues could also make a move to sign Pedro this summer. Both Liverpool and Arsenal have also been previously linked to the Brighton attacker.
Pedro made 30 appearances for Fabian Hurzeler’s side last season, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists. He is in-demand, and at the age of just 23, has plenty of development left in him.
Who could Newcastle sign instead of Joao Pedro?
Amid the talk of Chelsea potentially competing with Newcastle to sign Pedro, one of the Blues players is of interest to Newcastle. Last month, Newcastle were linked with Nkunku, who is expected to leave this summer.
Nkunku made 43 appearances for Enzo Maresca’s side last season, scoring 14 goals and providing five assists. However, his game time was limited in terms of starts, and it is understood that he wants to get more regular football.
Bayern Munich and Juventus are also said to be keen on Nkunku, and Newcastle have reportedly explored the possibility of signing him. However, Chelsea’s valuation of £59m for Nkunku is too steep for the Magpies.
Click here to see Newcastle’s first team squad heading into the summer transfer window.