Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro is an in-demand man right now, with both Chelsea and Newcastle United after his signature.
At present, Chelsea have Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson as centre-forward options, but that has not stopped them from targeting Pedro.
As for Newcastle, they are currently lacking cover for Alexander Isak. Callum Wilson could still renew his contract, which is about to expire, but the Englishman is 33 now and prone to picking up injuries.
The Magpies probably need Pedro more than the Blues, especially if Jackson does not leave west London. Jackson has recently been linked to Arsenal.
Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion goal celebration after scoring a penalty
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Joao Pedro prefers Chelsea over Newcastle
Unfortunately for Newcastle, it looks like Pedro would rather join their Premier League rivals this summer.
According to the Daily Mail, Pedro is leaning towards picking Chelsea over this year’s Carabao Cup winners.
The same outlet claims that Chelsea have already made an unsuccessful £58m bid for the 23-year-old, showing just how serious their interest is.
While the Conference League holders are yet to agree anything for Pedro, they are closing in on Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
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It has been claimed that Chelsea’s bosses are desperate to sign Gittens, and it is a deal that they are now expected to complete.
Reece James of Chelsea is fouled by Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Why Chelsea want Joao Pedro after signing Liam Delap
Pedro is a striker, but the Brazilian can also play on the left and behind another centre-forward. That versatility clearly appeals to Chelsea.
BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella has stated that Chelsea want another versatile attacker to potentially replace Christopher Nkunku, with Pedro fitting the bill.
Nkunku came on in Chelsea’s crazy 4-1 win against Benfica in the last 16 of the Club World Cup and scored the goal that restored his side’s lead.
Nevertheless, the Frenchman could still depart during this transfer window after failing to nail down a place in Enzo Maresca‘s starting XI. Manchester United are reportedly interested in Nkunku, so Old Trafford could be his next destination.