Chelsea reach agreement with Brighton to sign Joao Pedro

Chelsea have secured a deal to sign Brighton’s Joao Pedro for a reported £50 million plus £5 million in add-ons, according to talkSPORT.

The Blues fended off strong competition from Newcastle United to acquire the Brazilian forward from the Seagulls this summer.

Over the weekend, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea had intensified negotiations to finalize Pedro’s move from the Amex Stadium.

Enzo Maresca’s side turned their attention to Pedro after seeing a bid of £55m for Jamie Gittens accepted by Borussia Dortmund.

Newcastle had already seen a £50 million bid rejected by Brighton, who have included a sell-on clause in their deal to sell the 23-year-old talent.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, who are keen on strengthening their forward areas, were reported to be interested in the young striker.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle had been chasing Pedro since May, while Chelsea only joined the race for his signature earlier this month.

In the 2024/25 season, Joao Pedro bagged 10 goals and provided 6 assists in 27 appearances in the Premier League for Brighton. (Image: Getty Images)

Pedro reportedly voiced his wish to depart Brighton’s Amex Stadium this summer, with Newcastle’s Howe long admiring the forward, whom Brighton valued at £70 million.

Now, Pedro is poised to join Chelsea, who have already finalized personal terms with the Brazilian international, and he is set to sign a seven-year contract until 2032.

Chelsea are racing to finalize the transfer before the Club World Cup deadline on Thursday, July 3.

The forward will travel from Brazil to the United States for his medical, as Chelsea aims to include the forward in their Club World Cup squad.

The Blues secured their spot in the tournament’s quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over Benfica on Saturday, June 28.

If Pedro’s medical proceeds smoothly, he could be available to play against Palmeiras, who Chelsea will face next week in their bid for a semi-final spot in the Club World Cup.

Pedro transferred to Brighton from Watford in May 2023 for a club-record £30 million and is set to generate a significant profit for the Seagulls if he leaves this summer.

The Brazilian netted an impressive 20 goals from 40 appearances across all competitions in his debut season at Brighton.

In the 2024/25 season, the sensational forward bagged 10 goals and provided 6 assists in 27 appearances in the Premier League for Brighton.