One transfer rumour that is gathering pace ahead of the summer window is Brighton’s Joao Pedro being linked with a move to Chelsea.
Even though the Chelsea squad is stacked with a lot of talented young players, it’s clear they still need more upgrades. The Blues go into the final day of the Premier League season against Nottingham Forest on Sunday knowing that Champions League qualification hangs in the balance.
Apparently, Chelsea want four major signings this summer, including a striker and a right-footed winger to revamp the attacking options.
Brighton star Joao Pedro, 23, ticks a lot of boxes because he can play anywhere across the forward line. He usually plays as a centre-forward or second striker for the Seagulls, but he can also operate on the left wing.
It’s been claimed that Chelsea want to sign Joao Pedro in time for him to play for them at the Club World Cup tournament this summer. Apparently, the Blues have signalled during talks that they would pay £50m for the Brazilian attacker. However, Brighton want £59m to sell Joao Pedro.
Joao Pedro keen on a move to Chelsea
According to Sky Sports, Brighton attacker Pedro is ‘keen’ to talk with Chelsea officials if the Premier League clubs reach a transfer agreement.
He’s played for Fluminense, Watford and Brighton in a career that has been on an upward trajectory. A big-money move to Stamford Bridge would be a new kind of leap, though.
The South American star has had a decent individual campaign in Brighton colours.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 27 | 10 | 6 |
Chelsea supporters are unlikely to get too giddy about Pedro’s 10-goal season, but it follows up a 20-goal campaign in the previous year with Brighton.
Chelsea have been impressed by Joao Pedro’s development at the Amex Stadium in the last two years. Blues supporters may have a question mark regarding whether or not the 23-year-old talent could improve them, though.
Joao Pedro’s incredible penalty record
If Pedro does arrive at Stamford Bridge, he will come with a fantastic individual record from 12 yards.
In his first-team career, Pedro has scored 18 out of 19 penalties. The only spot-kick he missed was for Brighton against Aston Villa in May 2024.
Chelsea already have a penalty specialist in the shape of Cole Palmer. Similarly, the only penalty kick he’s missed in his senior career came against Leicester City in March 2025.
We doubt that Palmer is going to relinquish responsibility for taking penalties at Chelsea regardless of who he shares the pitch with.
