Joao Pedro, Brighton, Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson
(Credit: Imago)
Mick Brown
Sun 29 June 2025 8:00, UK
Chelsea are plotting a move to hijack Newcastle United’s efforts to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton in the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 23-year-old looks “certain” to leave the Amex this summer.
Enzo Maresca is keen to add to his attacking options after completing a deal for Liam Delap amid growing uncertainty over Nicolas Jackson’s future.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 23 June that Chelsea are ready to sell Jackson as Maresca has grown impatient with his inconsistent displays.
Frustrations have grown after the Senegal international was sent off during the Blues’ 3-1 Club World Cup defeat against Flamengo, and off the back of a poor season.
Football Insider revealed on 18 May that Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal want to sign Pedro as the Seagulls will demand around £70million for his signature.
Joao Pedro, Brighton
Chelsea are interested in Brighton star Joao Pedro. (Credit: Imago)
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Chelsea want to sign Joao Pedro after Brighton exit latest
Brown told Football Insider last month that Pedro wants to leave Brighton and join Chelsea as he plans to make the step up to a bigger team.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the Brazil forward is seen as a potential replacement for Jackson.
“*Joao Pedro is one Chelsea have been looking at,*” he told Football Insider.
“It looks certain he’s going to be leaving Brighton, and Newcastle are the leading contenders there.
“But for Chelsea, they want to sign a new striker and they could look to beat Newcastle to him.
“I don’t think they’re entirely convinced about Nicolas Jackson.
“The manager doesn’t see him as the player he wants to lead the line week in, week out, and if they can bring in a replacement they’ll let him go.
“Chelsea want a reliable and consistent striker who they know is going to show up for them.
“They’ve been keeping it under their hat, but they’ve been looking behind the scenes for somebody to come in and replace Jackson.
“Pedro is one of the names they’ve been looking at for a while, they’re big fans of his.
“If there’s a deal to be done, and it looks like there will be, I expect Chelsea will be very much involved.
“Then it comes down to who is willing to pay more and who can convince the player to join them.”
Enzo Maresca Chelsea (1)
Enzo Maresca aims to strengthen his attacking options. (Credit: Imago)
Christopher Nkunku update emerges at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s interest in bringing new attacking options to Stamford Bridge has grown in recent weeks, while they plan to shift some of their current squad.
Football Insider revealed on 24 June that Chelsea plan to cash in on Christopher Nkunku to make room for a new addition as they continue to assess their options.
Nkunku has been linked with Man United in recent days and the Blues are ready to facilitate his exit in a move which would free up space for a new out-and-out striker.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle have joined the race for Nkunku as the Frenchman is aiming to play regular football next season.
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