Enzo Maresca is about to get his hands on another forward, with Chelsea set to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.
While Newcastle United have also shown strong interest this summer, Pedro is keen to join Chelsea and it has been widely reported that the Blues have now agreed a deal with Brighton.
At the start of the month, Chelsea signed Liam Delap, who has made an immediate impact at the club. The striker managed to register an assist on his debut against Los Angeles FC at the Club World Cup before scoring against Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
Pedro will also get the chance to play at this year’s Club World Cup if he arrives at Chelsea this week. The Conference League winners have until July 3 to register players who are not currently part of their squad for the tournament.
Enzo Maresca celebrates Chelsea's win over Manchester United
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca appreciates Joao Pedro’s versatility
If Chelsea manage to sign Pedro in time for their next game against Palmeiras, Maresca will be delighted.
According to the Daily Mail, the Chelsea boss is a fan of the 23-year-old, admiring his ability to play in multiple positions in the frontline.
Pedro is not the only attacker Chelsea are set to welcome this week. The Blues are also thought to be closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
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Figures at Chelsea really want Gittens, and it looks like their wish will be granted. The club are in the market for attacking reinforcements following Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United and Mykhailo Mudryk’s ban.
Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion goal celebration after scoring a penalty
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Where Joao Pedro has played in his career
Pedro has often played as a centre-forward, making 119 appearances in that position. Alongside Delap, he will be another alternative to Nicolas Jackson if the Senegal international remains at Chelsea.
Right now, Jackson is said to be attracting interest from Arsenal, who are in the market for a new striker.
However, Pedro can also be deployed on the left flank or behind another centre-forward, showing his versatility.
Joao Pedro’s positions Games played
Centre-forward 119
Left winger 39
Second striker 20
Attacking midfielder 7
Right winger 4
Left midfielder 1
Right midfielder 1
Via Transfermarkt
He could prove to be a very useful player for Chelsea come next season, with Maresca’s side competing in both the Premier League and Champions League.