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Chelsea are expected to strengthen their attacking options before Friday’s Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras, with reports suggesting they have reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for forward Joao Pedro.
According to The Athletic, the Brazilian international is en route to the United States for a medical, following a deal reportedly worth over £50 million. The 23-year-old is then expected to join Chelsea’s squad for the remainder of the tournament.
Pedro joined Brighton two years ago in a then club-record £30 million transfer from Watford and went on to net 30 goals in 70 appearances. However, he was left out of Brighton’s final two fixtures last season following a training ground dispute with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
FIFA has permitted clubs competing in the knockout stages of the Club World Cup to register new players up until July 3, giving Chelsea a narrow window to complete the move.
The London club is also believed to be closing in on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. A deal worth up to €65 million (£55 million) was reportedly agreed on Saturday for the 20-year-old, who could become another addition before the Palmeiras encounter.
Chelsea have already been active in the transfer market this summer, securing striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr. Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, 18, is also due to join the club once his Club World Cup campaign with Palmeiras concludes.
