Chelsea are preparing to reward Joao Pedro with a new contract after the Brazilian striker enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Stamford Bridge, The Athletic reports.
Chelsea signed the 24-year-old from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer in a deal worth around £60 million, and he signed a long-term contract that runs until 2032.
However, the Blues are already looking to improve those terms as they move to secure the future of their “world-class” striker.
The Brazilian forward is a key part of Chelsea’s long-term plans and is expected to play a massive role under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea have been determined to keep Pedro at the club this summer and have rejected every approach for their talismanic striker.
La Liga champions Barcelona were one of several clubs to register an interest in Pedro, but Chelsea made it very clear early in the transfer window that he isn’t for sale at any price.
The Blues are now ready to back up that claim by offering Pedro a new and improved contract, which will end any lingering speculation over his long-term future.
The Brazilian was in remarkable form for Chelsea last season, notching 20 goals and nine assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.
He scored 15 times in the Premier League and also weighed in with an additional eight assists in 35 league games (only four players scored more goals).
Despite his form for Chelsea, Pedro was shockingly left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad, with Carlo Ancelotti instead opting for veteran forward Neymar.
Pedro has already picked up where he left off in Chelsea’s pre-season tour. He made the headlines by scoring a nine-minute hat-trick in the 6-4 win over Western Sydney Warriors.
The striker could be joined by a former teammate in the coming weeks, with Chelsea working on a deal to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton.
The terms of the deal are still being kept under wraps, but the Blues see Welbeck as someone who can add experience and leadership to a dressing room filled with young talents.