London: Chelsea are set to strengthen their attack ahead of the Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras on Friday, as reports confirm a transfer agreement with Brighton for Brazilian forward Joao Pedro. According to The Athletic, Pedro is expected to fly to the United States for a medical and will link up with the Chelsea squad once the deal is finalized. The transfer fee is reportedly over £50 million ($69 million).
Pedro, 23, joined Brighton from Watford two years ago in a then-club record £30 million move. He has since scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for the Seagulls. However, he missed Brighton’s last two games of the season after being dropped following a training ground clash with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Chelsea is quickly registering new players before FIFA’s July 3 deadline for Club World Cup knockout participants. The London club has already agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens in a deal worth up to €65 million ($76 million).
Chelsea also brought in striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr this summer. Additionally, 18-year-old Palmeiras talent Estevao Willian will join the club after competing in the tournament.
