The Chelsea first team squad were pushed to their limits in order to advance through to the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
Off the back of a marathon domestic season, the Blues’ Round of 16 tie against Benfica took the best part of five hours, with Chelsea winning 4-1 after extra time.
Enzo Maresca called upon some of the fringe players in his squad to help them get the job done. Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall both found the net late on.
What is becoming clear is that the gruelling campaign has taken it out of the Chelsea players, and the welcome addition of new signings has been a blessing.
Jamie Gittens will not be able to be added to the squad after featuring for Borussia Dortmund, however Chelsea can still register new players up until July 3.
Christopher Nkunku celebrates with his teammates after scoring in Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Chelsea want Joao Pedro signed before Club World Cup deadline
After strong links to the addition of Joao Pedro, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Chelsea haven’t ruled out the prospect of signing the Brighton man before the tournament gets underway.
He said: “Chelsea haven’t entirely ruled out trying to sign Joao Pedro before the second Club World Cup registration window closes on July 3.
“Talks with Brighton ongoing with Pedro understood to be keen on the move. Chelsea content if they have to wait longer, but pushing in the next few days in case Pedro can fly out to America and potentially feature in the tournament or simply spend time with the squad.
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“Newcastle also remain interested in Pedro. Brighton have turned down two bids in excess of £50m.”
Chelsea haven’t entirely ruled out trying to sign Joao Pedro before the second Club World Cup registration window closes on July 3.
Talks with Brighton ongoing with Pedro understood to be keen on the move.
Chelsea content if they have to wait longer, but pushing in the next few… pic.twitter.com/jpoDlTHgYB
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 29, 2025
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Chelsea have already seen a big bid for Pedro declined, however this does not seem to have put them off their interest.
Joao Pedro inspects the pitch ahead of Brentford FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League
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Joao Pedro chooses Chelsea
Chelsea believe Pedro is the ‘perfect’ signing for them to make this summer, and look as if they are set to make a serious push to bring him in.
Despite interest from Newcastle, it has been claimed that Pedro has chosen Chelsea as his next side, should they be able to agree a fee with Brighton.
The signing would take place even with the additions of Gittens, who is currently undergoing his medical ahead of his long-awaited move to Stamford Bridge.
With links to Mohammed Kudus still occurring, it could be all change in attack for Chelsea going into next season.