Chelsea have indicated they are willing to pay £50m and offer unwanted players in a deal to sign Brighton striker Joao Pedro, according to reports.
The Blues have already signed England U21 striker Liam Delap in a £30m deal from Ipswich Town but intend to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options further this summer.
Current Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson endured an underwhelming season at Stamford Bridge while Christopher Nkunku is set to be sold following a dismal spell at the club.
Chelsea have expressed interest in French forward Hugo Ekitike but Pedro is a cheaper alternative to a player Eintracht Frankfurt value at around £85m.
Pedro, 23, has scored 30 goals over the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of Brighton’s most influential players since his £30m move from Watford.
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Brighton want around £60m for the Brazil international but Chelsea are ready to tempt their Premier League rivals with an offer of £50m, according to the Daily Mail.
Chelsea have a strong relationship with Brighton following several transfers between the clubs and are reportedly in talks over a deal for Pedro.
It is claimed Chelsea are also willing to offer a number of unwanted players to Brighton in a bid to bring Pedro to west London.
The likes of Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have all been linked with summer moves away from Chelsea.
Chelsea’s move for Pedro could put further pressure on Arsenal who have also shown interest in the Brazilian as they look to add some goals and creativity to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Liverpool are admirers of Pedro but are currently focusing their efforts on a deal for Florian Wirtz which could cost more than £100m.
Delap’s £30m move to Stamford Bridge was confirmed earlier this week and the 22-year-old will wear the No. 9 shirt at Chelsea.
Maresca’s side saw off competition from Manchester United to complete a deal for Delap, who scored 12 goals for relegated Ipswich last season.
‘Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years,’ Delap said following his move to Chelsea.
‘I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
‘The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.’
Chelsea enjoyed a promising start and finish to the 2024-25 campaign to qualify for the Champions League and lift the Conference League trophy.
Delap and the rest of the Blues squad are now preparing for the upcoming Club World Cup, which starts on June 15 in the United States.
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