Chelsea Move to Give Joao Pedro New Deal

Chelsea are set to take a significant step to keep hold of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, signed from Brighton last summer. According to The Athletic, the club is preparing to hand the 24-year-old a new contract in order to fend off growing interest from Barcelona. Although Pedro's current deal already runs until 2032, Chelsea's management want to reward the striker and secure his long-term future at the club.

Pedro, who joined Stamford Bridge for a fee in excess of £50 million last summer, made an immediate impact, contributing 20 goals and nine assists in 50 appearances during his debut campaign. That impressive form has caught the eye of Spanish giants Barcelona. Chelsea's hierarchy, aware of interest from other clubs, have moved to lock down the forward's future in west London.

A product of Fluminense's academy who moved through Watford before joining Brighton for £30 million in 2023, Pedro scored 30 goals in 70 appearances during his two seasons with the Seagulls. Now under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, the Brazilian has continued to impress in pre-season, notably scoring a hat-trick in a friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers. Chelsea's push for a new deal is being read as clear evidence the club sees Pedro not as a player for sale, but as central to its long-term project.

Source: The Athletic
Image: Haters