Here is a roundup of the top Chelsea news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews that you may have missed featuring Joao Pedro, Emiliano Martinez and Rafael Leao that you could have missed…
Chelsea are set to reward João Pedro with a new long-term contract after an outstanding first full season at Stamford Bridge, according to the latest reports from Sky Sports News’ James Savundra.
The Brazilian forward has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most influential attacking players since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2025. Despite already being tied to a lengthy deal, CHELSEA‘s hierarchy are understood to be preparing improved terms in recognition of his rapid development and growing importance to the squad.
Pedro enjoyed an exceptional debut campaign in west London, scoring 23 goals and registering nine assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. His performances have cemented his place as one of the first names on the teamsheet and attracted interest from several leading European clubs, including reported admiration from Barcelona.
Sky Sports News reporter James Savundra says the proposed extension is a reward for Pedro’s excellent first full season and reflects Chelsea’s desire to secure the futures of their key players as the club continues building under its current project.
The new agreement would further underline the club’s confidence that the Brazil international can lead the attack for years to come.
Chelsea have placed an increased emphasis on tying down emerging stars to long-term contracts, with the strategy designed to provide stability while protecting the club’s most valuable assets. Pedro’s anticipated extension follows a series of renewals handed to several first-team regulars over the past two seasons.
The striker’s movement, versatility and clinical finishing have made him a standout performer, while his ability to operate across the front line has given CHELSEA another dimension in attack. His partnership with Cole Palmer and the club’s other creative talents has been viewed internally as a major reason behind the team’s attacking improvement.
Although the deal has yet to be officially announced, reports suggest negotiations are progressing positively and there is confidence an agreement will be reached.
Once finalised, João Pedro’s new contract would represent another significant statement of intent from Chelsea as they continue planning for sustained success with one of their brightest attacking talents at the heart of the project.
CHELSEA TOLD SIGN MARTINEZ
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged Chelsea to make a late move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, insisting Robert Sanchez could become a major problem for new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea are preparing for the start of the new Premier League campaign under Alonso, having invested heavily in their squad during the summer transfer window. However, Scholes believes the Blues have overlooked one position that could ultimately prevent them from challenging at the top end of the table.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes identified goalkeeper as a major concern and suggested Chelsea should explore a deal for Martinez before the transfer deadline after Juventus secured the loan signing of Tottenham star Vicario.
‘I think the goalkeeper is still a problem for Chelsea,’ Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
‘If I was them, I would have a look at the Aston Villa goalkeeper because his move to Juventus has just fallen through. I think he would be a good signing for Chelsea.’
Sanchez, meanwhile, remains CHELSEA‘s expected first-choice goalkeeper heading into the new campaign. The Spaniard joined the club from Brighton in 2023 and has produced some impressive performances during his time at Stamford Bridge, but his consistency has frequently been questioned.
Chelsea currently appear content with Sanchez and young goalkeeper Mike Penders as their options for the season, meaning a move for Martinez would represent a significant change in their transfer strategy.
The latest reports suggest the Blues are not currently expected to sign another goalkeeper before the deadline, despite the growing debate surrounding the position.
However, Scholes’ intervention could add further pressure on CHELSEA to reconsider.
With Alonso looking to implement his own style of football and challenge for a much-improved Premier League finish, the goalkeeper position could prove crucial.
CHELSEA OFFERED LEAO
Chelsea have reportedly been offered the chance to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao after Arsenal and Manchester United ended their interest in the Portugal international.
Leao has been one of the most prominent attacking players linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, but the race for his signature appears to have changed significantly with both Arsenal and United now understood to have stepped away.
According to the latest reports, Chelsea have emerged as a potential destination after Milan made the 27-year-old available at a considerably reduced asking price. The winger has reportedly been offered to the Blues for around £34 million, a figure that could make the situation particularly attractive to Chelsea.
Leao has been a key player for Milan since joining the Italian club, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most dangerous attacking threats. His pace, dribbling ability and willingness to attack defenders make him capable of operating from the left wing while also possessing the versatility to play across the frontline.
Chelsea’s interest will therefore be one to watch as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
The Blues have already invested heavily in their squad, but the possibility of signing a player of Leao’s quality for a reported £34m could prove difficult to ignore.
Arsenal had previously been linked with a move for the Portuguese winger but are now reportedly understood to have declined the opportunity to sign him. Manchester United have also been associated with Leao for much of the summer, although their interest has seemingly cooled.
The change in circumstances has left CHELSEA with a potential opportunity to secure a player who, only recently, appeared to command a substantially higher transfer fee.
There are, however, questions surrounding Leao’s future at San Siro. Milan are undergoing a period of transition under Ruben Amorim, and reports have suggested that the club are willing to consider his departure despite the winger remaining part of the Portuguese manager’s plans.
Leao has also recently rejected suggestions of a breakdown in his relationship with Amorim, adding another layer of uncertainty to the transfer speculation.
For CHELSEA, the opportunity could represent excellent value if the reported £34m asking price is accurate.
Leao would add genuine pace and individual quality to the attack, while his ability to create chances and score goals could provide another dimension to the Blues’ frontline.
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