Chelsea close to signing Brighton forward Joao Pedro

Chelsea have agreed terms with Brighton to sign Brazilian forward Joao Pedro for more than £50 million.

Pedro will travel to the United States for a medical and will be eligible for selection by Chelsea before their Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras on Friday.

The 23-year-old joined Brighton from Watford for £30 million in 2023 and scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for the Seagulls. However, he was dropped for the final two matches of last season following a training ground dispute with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.

Chelsea are moving quickly to strengthen their squad before the Club World Cup registration deadline of July 3, set by FIFA.

The London club is also close to completing a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s 20-year-old winger, Jamie Gittens, reportedly valued at up to €65 million.

So far this summer, Chelsea have added striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr to their team.

18-year-old Palmeiras forward, Estevao Willian, is also expected to join Chelsea after his current Club World Cup campaign.