Chelsea are expected to add Brighton star Joao Pedro to their squad this week as they hope for an injection of quality into their Club World Cup squad.
The Blues were up against Newcastle for the signing of the Brazilian this summer, after it became clear that he wanted a move away from Brighton.
Chelsea caught Newcastle off guard with a £60m move for Pedro, seeing them win the race for his signature after he made it clear he wanted the switch to Stamford Bridge.
With the 23-year-old currently undergoing his medical in order to get him in the squad in time for the quarter-final tie with Palmeiras, conversation will quickly turn to which shirt number he will occupy in West London.
Joao Pedro celebrates scoring during Brighton vs Arsenal in the Premier League.
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Joao Pedro could be handed dream Chelsea number if Trevoh Chalobah is sold
Pedro wore the number nine shirt at Brighton, however that is no longer available at Chelsea following the signing of Liam Delap earlier this summer.
He spent most of his time at Watford wearing the number 10, which has just been claimed by Cole Palmer ahead of the 2025/26 season.
However, taking his first ever senior shirt number could be a nice full circle moment after finally getting his big move. This would see him be handed the number 23 shirt.
This is currently occupied by Trevoh Chalobah, who despite impressing upon his return in January is still by no means secure this summer.
Trevoh Chalobah looks on during CR Flamengo v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Trevoh Chalobah’s Chelsea status
12 months ago, Chalobah was forced to train with the reserves as they pushed for him to be sold. They had to settle for a loan to Crystal Palace.
Despite him being recalled and playing an important part in Maresca’s second half of the season, there has been no talk of his place being safe.
In fact, it has been reported Chelsea will sell Chalobah when they sign another defensive option, as extreme player turnover is set to continue this summer.
Maresca wants a new centre-back though, and this could be bad news for the Cobham graduate, who has done very little wrong in his entire time as a first team player.