According to reports, Chelsea are now pushing hard to hijack Newcastle United’s pursuit of one of their key summer targets, with “intensified” negotiations on a deal worth over £60 million.
It is expected to be another busy transfer window for the Blues.
Read: Liverpool ‘planning’ ingenious swap with Crystal Palace to sign Marc Guehi
Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Chelsea’s £55 million bid for Jamie Gittens was accepted by Borussia Dortmund, and the 20-year-old winger looks set to sign a seven-year contract.
Gittens, who is considered Chelsea’s primary target to replace Jadon Sancho, is likely to be one of several new faces at Stamford Bridge this summer.
In fact, it emerged on Saturday night that Enzo Maresca’s side have “intensified negotiations” to sign Brighton striker João Pedro, according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Chelsea have made a surprise move for the 23-year-old Brazilian.
Read on English clubs: Manchester United ‘close’ deal for 20-goal striker! medical test ‘booked for next week’
“Newcastle had two bids rejected by Brighton, and Chelsea are now pushing on”
Pedro, who has also been assessed by Liverpool this summer, has been chased by Newcastle United for several weeks.
The Magpies followed up their long-term interest with a bid of around £50 million, but the offer was quickly rejected by Brighton, who are demanding at least £60 million.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Pedro is inclined to choose Chelsea if they can agree on a transfer fee.
The Brazilian attacker signed for Brighton from Watford in 2023 for a club-record sum of £30 million, and impressed in his debut season at the Amex with 20 goals in 40 games across all competitions.
In the 2024/25 season, he scored 10 Premier League goals, while Brighton finished eighth and missed out on European play.
Last month, Pedro was left out of Brighton’s squad against Liverpool after a training heated encounter with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
When Brighton boss Fabio Hürzeler was asked this week if the attacker would be back at the club ahead of the new season, he replied:
“Yes, absolutely. I’m really looking forward to working with both.”
He added: “They are great players who helped us last year. They are expected back next week.”
