As Chelsea continues their ambitious summer rebuild under new boss Enzo Maresca, the Blues have just made another bold statement.
They’ve managed to snap up one of the most in-demand forwards in the Premier League—Joao Pedro—from Brighton.
And they didn’t just sign him; they beat competition from Newcastle to do it.
Joao Pedro Chooses Chelsea Over Newcastle
Brighton initially turned down Chelsea’s first bid of £58 million, but after upping their offer to £60 million, the Seagulls finally gave the green light.
Pedro, the 23-year-old Brazilian attacker, had his heart set on Stamford Bridge once the club made their interest known.
It turns out, he had already made it clear that he wanted to play under Maresca.
A seven-year contract is now in the pipeline, solidifying Pedro’s long-term future in London.
Another Brighton-to-Chelsea Transfer in the Books
This move continues a now-familiar pattern—Pedro joins a growing list of Brighton players who’ve ended up at Chelsea.
He follows in the footsteps of Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, and Robert Sanchez.
Even Levi Colwill had a spell on loan at Brighton before making waves at Chelsea.
Pedro Set to Join Club World Cup Squad in the U.S.
The timing of this deal is also significant.
Chelsea has a deadline of July 3rd to finalize any additions to their squad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States.
They’re scheduled to face Palmeiras in Philadelphia the following day, and Pedro is expected to be part of that team.
The versatile forward is already en route to the States to meet his new teammates, as the squad regroups in Miami after a short rest following their clash with Benfica.
Chelsea’s Transfer Business in Full Swing
Pedro isn’t the only fresh face arriving at the Bridge this window.
Chelsea has already brought in Liam Delap for £30 million, and are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a £55 million deal for Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.
The club is clearly backing Maresca to shape a squad that fits his vision.
A Rocky End at Brighton, But a Fresh Start at Chelsea
Pedro didn’t get to finish the season with Brighton due to a training ground bust-up with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Despite that turbulent ending, his time at Brighton was largely impressive.
He racked up 30 goals in 70 appearances after signing from Watford in 2023 for around £30 million.
Brighton, for their part, ended the Premier League season eight points behind Chelsea, and will now have to regroup without one of their star players.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
With Pedro’s arrival nearly done and more signings on the horizon, the big question is: How far can this revamped Chelsea squad go?
Maresca seems to be building something exciting, and with the Club World Cup and Premier League campaigns looming, fans won’t have to wait long to see it in action.