Chelsea are pushing hard to hijack Newcastle United's move for one of their top summer targets, according to reports, with talks 'intensifying' over a deal worth in excess of £60 million.
It is expected to be another busy transfer window for the Blues.
Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Chelsea's bid of £55 million for Jamie Gittens has been accepted by Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund as the 20-year-old winger looks set to sign a seven-year deal.
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Gittens, who is seen as Chelsea's primary target to replace Jadon Sancho, will likely be one of several new arrivals at Stamford Bridge this summer.
in fact, on Saturday evening, it emerged that Enzo Maresca's side have 'intensified talks' to sign Brighton forward Joao Pedro, according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims they have swooped to sign the 23-year-old Brazilian.
"Newcastle had two proposals rejected by Brighton and Chelsea now pushing," Romano added.
Pedro, who has also been considered by Liverpool this summer, has been chased by Newcastle United for a number of weeks.
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In fact, the Magpies followed up their long-standing interest in the player with a bid of around £50 million, but the offer was swiftly rejected by Brighton, with the latter holding out for at least £60 million.
Pedro, meanwhile, is leaning towards a move to Chelsea if they can reach an agreement on a fee, according to the Daily Mail.
The Brazilian forward joined Brighton from Watford in 2023 for a club-record fee of £30 million and flourished in his debut season at the Amex, scoring 20 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.
He then netted 10 Premier League goals during the 2024/25 campaign as the Seagulls missed out on European football with an eighth place finish.
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Last month, Pedro was dropped from Brighton's squad for their clash against Liverpool after a training ground bust-up with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Asked if the striker would be back at Brighton for pre-season, Brighton boss Fabio Hurzeler said this week: "Yeah for sure. I'm really looking forward for both of them."
He added: They are great players, they helped us last season. They are expected to be back next week."
Topics: Chelsea, Premier League, Transfers, Newcastle United
Jack Kenmare