It’s been a brutal and pretty familiar 24 hours in our pursuit of Brighton’s Joao Pedro.
Reports earlier in the week suggested that talks had been ‘advancing’, with the player keen on the move and Newcastle United edging closer to a compromise over the £60m-rated forward.
However, it seems things have taken an unfortunate turn now Chelsea have well and truly thrown their hat into the ring.
In a Sunday morning update from Fabrizio Romano, he reports that Chelsea are now ‘intensifying talks’ to sign the Brazilian, pushing to get a deal done ahead of Newcastle.
Romano states that Newcastle have had two bids rejected and risk missing out on the South American, with Chelsea now giving this deal their full focus after wrapping up a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Moving to reports closer to home, Mark Douglas has also issued this potentially damning update on X, suggesting Chelsea are now favourites for his signature:
‘Chelsea pushing hard for Brighton forward Joao Pedro and that’s not good news for Newcastle – who also made a move last week for one of their top targets. Confidence now at Chelsea end they’re in a stronger position to do the deal… Big few days ahead on this one.’
Sadly, it feels like the free-spending Chelsea have muscled their way in and it’s hard to see how we’ll compete from a financial point of view.
With at least £40m coming their way from the Club World Cup, the Women’s team sold and other loopholes found to waltz their way through PSR, it seems the Blues have the financial freedom to do what we can’t when it comes wages and transfer fees, while the ‘London pull’ may also play a part for Pedro.