Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign João Pedro from Brighton for a fee in excess of £50m. The Brazil forward, who was also a target for Newcastle, was only interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.
Brighton had been holding out for £60m for the 23-year-old, who joined them from Watford two years ago. Negotiations intensified over the weekend and have now concluded, with João Pedro flying in from Brazil for a medical on Monday in the US.
The forward will sign a seven-year deal and is expected to join Chelsea's squad for their Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras on Friday night. Chelsea have also agreed to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens for around £55m, though he is not eligible for the Club World Cup.
João Pedro missed Brighton's final two matches of the season after a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, but Chelsea are convinced of his talent. Sam Jewell, who brought João Pedro to Brighton, has since joined Chelsea's recruitment team.
The arrival of João Pedro gives manager Enzo Maresca more attacking options. The head coach has been seeking a versatile forward, with Chelsea also considering a move for Mohammed Kudus. João Pedro is seen as a better fit than Christopher Nkunku and João Félix for Maresca's system.
