Chelsea 'add Brighton's Joao Pedro' to list of transfer targets

Chelsea have reportedly added Brighton forward Joao Pedro to their list of summer transfer targets.

On Wednesday afternoon, Fabrizio Romano reported on X: "Understand Chelsea have Brighton’s João Pedro as one of the targets on their shortlist for this summer, highly appreciated.

"Initial contacts took place to be informed on situation, as João can leave this summer.

"Newcastle already approached Brighton this week."

Newcastle remain odds-on favourites at 8/11 to sign Pedro but Chelsea have been cut to 2/1

It remains unclear exactly what profiles Chelsea are after in a new centre forward.

The club announced the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m which looks like a sound investment in a promising striker, but the club are open to Nicolas Jackson leaving, and Enzo Maresca won't want to pin too much expectation on the former Manchester City man, who he worked with during his time with City's Elite Development Squad.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with Hugo Ekitike, though have since drifted out to 5/1 to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt man amidst reported interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Pedro has been deployed as a centre forward who likes to drop deep with Brighton, as well as a number 10 who likes to make attacking runs, and it's not entirely clear what the Brazilian's best position actually is or indeed where he'd play at Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer is at his best when allowed to drift in from the right, rather than being deployed as an out-and-out number 10, meaning Pedro could play as a 10 or centre forward should he make the move to West London.

Maresca was able to field totally different teams in Europe and the Premier League last season, but they'll need upgrades to be able to compete in the UEFA Champions League.

The club have made a number of exciting signings in the likes of Delap, Estevao, Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo but there are no proven names at the top level, and Chelsea would likely want to add some more Premier League experience to their young squad.

Liam Williams

• Chelsea F.C.
• Brighton and Hove Albion F.C.
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