Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion, following links with Arsenal earlier in the summer.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Leicester City FC at Amex Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Chelsea have reached an agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion for the transfer of Joao Pedro, with the Blues prepared to pay over £50m.
Personal terms are already in place on a contract until 2032, with a medical being arranged and the player set to join his new club midway through the Club World Cup.
Unlike many football tournaments, players can continue to be added to the Club World Cup squads even though the knockout stages are already underway.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Leicester City FC at Amex Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Arsenal had been linked with Pedro ahead of the summer window, with Sam Dean of The Telegraph claiming the Gunners were showing an interest in the Brighton forward as one of a number of attacking options on their shortlist.
But Newcastle United were Chelsea’s most serious rivals, and seemingly the only other club to progress their interest into formal negotiations.
Unfortunately for Newcastle, given the choice between the two clubs, Pedro was only interested in joining Chelsea.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: William Saliba, Gabriel and Jorginho of Arsenal speak with the Referee Anthony Taylor after awarding a penalty to Brighton & Hove Albion as Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion is seen on the floor after being fouled during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Arsenal FC at Amex Stadium on January 04, 2025. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Pedro was clearly never a priority for Arsenal, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins, and even Hugo Ekitike more seriously linked with a transfer to north London. But his imminent move to Chelsea does take one backup option off the table.
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