UNITED STATES – Chelsea’s attacking lineup may receive a timely boost ahead of Friday’s Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Palmeiras, with reports indicating the club has agreed a deal to sign Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to The Athletic, the 23-year-old is en route to the United States for a medical after Chelsea struck a transfer agreement with Brighton worth over £50 million ($69 million). The move would see Pedro link up with the Chelsea squad just in time for the knockout phase of the competition.
Pedro, who joined Brighton from Watford for a then club-record £30 million, has been a standout performer, scoring 30 goals in 70 appearances. However, he missed the final two games of last season after a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke led to his exclusion from the squad.
FIFA regulations allow participating clubs to register new players for the Club World Cup knockout stage until July 3, a deadline Chelsea are reportedly keen to meet.
The West London club is also close to securing Borussia Dortmund’s 20-year-old winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in a deal worth up to €65 million ($76 million), with negotiations reportedly concluded over the weekend.
The summer has already been a busy one for Chelsea, who have secured the signings of striker Liam Delap, Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo, and French defender Mamadou Sarr.
Additionally, Palmeiras’ 18-year-old sensation Estevao Willian is expected to join Chelsea after his current Club World Cup campaign concludes, setting up a potential face-off against his future employers on Friday.
Chelsea are aiming to reclaim global club glory and are actively reinforcing their squad to strengthen their chances in the tournament and the upcoming Premier League season.
