Newcastle United may have seen Chelsea throw a spanner in the works in terms of their bid to add to their attack - with Fabrizio Romano stating that Magpies target Joao Pedro has seen the Blues come in for him 'in an important way'.
Eddie Howe's men are looking to add real quality to their squad in the coming months, having qualified for the Champions League by virtue of a fifth-placed finish - and with a £45million bid for Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga being rejected earlier in the week, it's shown their intent to sign Premier League-level stars.
Report: Newcastle Have 'Sense' That Chelsea Are Firmly in Pedro Race
Newcastle United have been in the race to land the Brazilian but could face a struggle
Joao Pedro in action for Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton star Pedro is one of those that the club have taken an interest to in recent weeks. Reports on Saturday stated that they were in 'advanced talks' to land the Brazilian, with high-level negotiations being underway to finalise a deal, despite a £10million gap in valuation between Newcastle and Brighton.
Joao Pedro's Premier League statistics -Brighton squad ranking
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However, Chelsea are now 'fully involved' according to Romano, who stated on his YouTube channel that there is now a sense on Tyneside that Chelsea are entering the race for his signature 'in an important way' - which could prove to be an issue for Howe. He said:
"Chelsea are fully involved as of now in the race to sign Joao Pedro, then let's see what happens with Newcastle. But there is also a sense at Newcastle that Chelsea are entering into this one in an important way.
"So remember my words from last night and again today about Joao Pedro and Chelsea, because this story is getting concrete. This story is getting serious, and Chelsea are there.
"10 days ago, I told you Chelsea like Joao Pedro, Chelsea have Joao Pedro on their list. Now we are entering into important stages of the story, because Chelsea closed the story for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and are now going to focus on Joao Pedro."
Pedro joined Brighton two years ago, scoring 20 goals in just 40 games in his first season at the club as Brighton progressed through to the Europa League knockout stages and finished 11th in the Premier League - and although he scored only half of the goals this season, he did reach double figures in the Premier League.
Pedro would act as an alternative for Callum Wilson, who is set to depart the club on Monday once his contract expires - and with European experience, Newcastle would be delighted to get a deal over the line.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 29-06-25.
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