Despite having heavy interest from Newcastle United, Brighton forward Joao Pedro is all set to sign for Chelsea as the club have agreed to pay around £60 million for his transfer. It’s all done and dusted now. According to Fabrizio Romano’s latest update, Joao Pedro has already completed his medical as a Chelsea footballer. He will be joining his new team now in USA for the quarterfinals against Brazilian club Palmeiras. Chelsea have been the most active club recently in the transfer market. After securing the deal of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, the big money arrival of Joao Pedro has shaken up the dressing room for sure. Chelsea are still struggling with a proper striker who can lead the upfront. It has been mostly either the midfielders of the wingers who have taken the duty of scoring goals for the team. Players like Christopher Nkuku and Nicolas Jackson have failed to be consistent enough to deliver when needed. Now, Joao Pedro is expected to tag well with Liam Delap quickly.
Why Did Chelsea Choose Joao Pedro?
The contract says that Chelsea have secured the services of Joao Pedro for the next seven years. This has raised significant enquiries among the fans. Some find the deal unnecessary as the Blues already have Delap and Gittens. Joao Pedro played in 70 games for Brighton and has scored 30 goals and 10 assists. His performances in these last 2 years have given him a higher valuation in the market but he has yet to prove his worth. But head coach Enzo Maresca considers him as a key part of his project. Chelsea has a strong midfield, and the number of crosses the players provided to the attackers were wasted mostly. Maresca feels that Joao Pedro’s strong presence in the aerial duels can finally lead those balls to the destined directions. Pedro can also give Maresca multiple options in the attacking third. The Brazilian can play in different positions. During his time in Brighton, the Brazilian forward also showed his ability to play as an attacking midfielder. When in need, this also gives Chelsea a man extra in the midfield. Strong with both the feet, Joao Pedro, apart from being calm under pressure, is a composed finisher as well.
Chelsea’s Squad isn’t Full Yet
Chelsea aren’t going to end their marketing any time soon. On the other hand, Pep Guardiola has informed that he doesn’t want to make the Manchester City squad any bigger, Enzo Maresca wants more players at the Stamford Bridge. Now this has generated a potential setback in team management. It seems like the Blues are more into signing young prodigies than buying one big name. While it remains a concern how all the players, mostly attackers, will be getting enough minutes, Chelsea-board believe that with UEFA Champions League back at the stadium, players will get proper game times. For instance, Liam Delap is currently playing for Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup and Joao Pedro is the next one to join the team as mentioned earlier. Chelsea also expect some names to bid the club adieu before the start of next season. Players like Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix who were unable to adapt to Maresca’s system have confirmed the club about their departure. Sources can confirm that Gittens is going to replace Sancho in the team. Spanish custodian, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has also joined Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal ahead of the new season. The dressing room of Chelsea is still looking incomplete and hollow.
Author’s Opinion
Amidst all, this particular signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton will boost the final third prowess of Chelsea. Meanwhile, Newcastle United were also interested in signing Pedro but the fans can call Joao Pedro as Chelsea’s latest inclusion in the squad. Chelsea must find a way to manage this big pool of players otherwise this is going to backfire on Maresca’s boys.
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As featured on Chelseanews.com
