Chelsea are actively working on bolstering their squad ahead of the new season.
Chelsea qualified for the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup after beating Benfica, and are hoping to go all the way in the competition that comes with huge financial rewards.
The Blues are close to signing Jamie Gittens, with the player already agreeing a deal with the club before the tournament.
It has been reported that Chelsea will move for Joao Pedro once they wrap up the deal for the Borussia Dortmund star.
Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Chelsea have bid rejected for Brighton star Joao Pedro
As per a previous report from TBR Football, Brighton rejected two offers for Pedro, one of them being from Newcastle, while the other club remained unnamed at that time.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can now confirm that Chelsea had a bid rejected for Pedro on Friday.
Chelsea are keen on signing the ‘incredible‘ 23-year-old despite having signed Liam Delap earlier in the transfer window.
TBR Football sources believe that the player remains open to both options, Newcastle and Chelsea, as he recognises what both clubs can offer him.
It is further understood that Pedro respects Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and would like to work with him, but also shares similar sentiments for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
Joao Pedro would love to live in London
If it comes down to the player picking between Newcastle and Chelsea, Pedro is expected to opt for the Blues.
This is because of Pedro’s desire to live in London, as revealed by his Brighton teammate Igor Julio.
He told Trivela: “Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, seek new things, take the next step. It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here. We have to be honest, the club already knows that.
“I would go to Liverpool, and I think he would fit in perfectly at Liverpool. It’s because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Liverpool, and I would go there (but) he always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what comes from there first.”
The comments from Julio suggest that the player would prefer a move to a London club if he had the choice.
This gives the Blues a significant advantage in Pedro’s pursuit. It remains to be seen which club he ends up at this summer, but one thing is for certain: it is not going to be Brighton.