Chelsea INTENSIFY Joao Pedro talks, reveals Fabrizio Romano

Chelsea are intensifying talks to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton, Fabrizio Romano has reported on Sunday morning.

The Blues entered the race for the Brazilian star in recent days after seeing Newcastle have two offers rejected by Brighton.

Romano revealed on Saturday that Chelsea were having conversations over the attacker, and the Italian transfer journalist now says that the talks are intensifying.

Chelsea have all but completed the €64 million signing of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, and are now working on bringing in another offensive player.

What did Romano say?

“Understand Chelsea have now intensified talks to advance on João Pedro deal!,” Romano said on X.

“Chelsea are focused on João deal with Brighton after signing Jamie Bynoe-Gittens with medical yesterday.

“Newcastle had two proposals rejected by Brighton… and Chelsea now pushing.”

If Joao Pedro arrives at Stamford Bridge, he will be the replacement for Christopher Nkunku with the Frenchman transfer listed and expected to leave this summer

Joao Pedro is expected to leave his club after a training ground altercation with Jan Paul van Hecke at the end of the season.

Newcastle United have been pushing to sign the 23-year-old but have struggled to come to an agreement with Brighton.

Joao Pedro was signed for €34m from Watford, but after scoring 30 times in 70 appearances for Brighton, his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has risen to €61m.

As mentioned above, Chelsea view Joao Pedro as a direct replacement for Nkunku.

France international Nkunku was signed in a blockbuster €60m deal from RB Leipzig in 2023 but after spending much of his first season out injured, he struggled to make an impact last term. Strong performances in the Conference League were insufficient to see him gain regular Premier League minutes and it now appears he is on his way out.

Manchester United have been tipped to make a move for Nkunku but this depends on a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo collapsing.

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