Newcastle United aren’t the only Premier League team interested in Brighton & Hove Albion star Joao Pedro.
Pedro is understood to be open to leaving Brighton after a training ground bust-up with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke saw him left out of the remaining two Premier League matches of last season.
The Magpies have long tracked the Brazilian having almost signed him from Watford three years ago. A deal worth £30million was agreed but head coach Eddie Howe instead pursued a club-record move for Alexander Isak.
Isak has proven to be an instrumental signing with his 62 goals in 109 appearances ranking him as one of the best strikers in Europe. However, with extra games coming via the Champions League next season, Howe knows he must manage the Swede and the rest of his squad carefully.
With Callum Wilson set to depart when his contract expires on June 30 and question marks over whether Will Osula is ready to make the step up, United lack a notable back-up to Isak. Howe has kept close tabs on Pedro and is considering making a move.
Newcastle United transfer target Joao Pedro attracting interest from Chelsea
Pedro has scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for the Seagulls, who are likely to demand around £60m for his services. Newcastle have been leading the chase but it’s now claimed Chelsea are also showing an interest.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have asked to be kept informed on Pedro’s situation. The Italian wrote on X: “Understand Chelsea have Brighton’s Joao Pedro as one of the targets on their shortlist for this summer, highly appreciated.
“Initial contacts took place to be informed on situation, as João can leave this summer. Newcastle already approached Brighton this week.”
Chelsea have an advantage over Newcastle United?
If recent comments by Brighton teammate Igor Julio are to be believed, then Pedro may favour a move to West London. However, the centre-back reckons the striker should join Liverpool.
Fellow Brazilian Igor told Trivela: “Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, look for new things and take the next step.
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“It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here, we have to be honest, the club already knows that he said in contact with the report via video call.
“I told him that he has to think about what he wants from his career. In my opinion, if I were going to a Big Six team, I would go to a team that competes in the Premier League, plays in the Champions League and is always in a position to win.
“I would go to a Liverpool team and I think he would fit in perfectly at Liverpool. It's because I've always dreamed of playing for Liverpool and I would go there. He always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what comes from there first.”
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