TBR Football can exclusively confirm what Chelsea sources have said about Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro amid transfer rumours linking the two.
The Blues are currently in pursuit of a new centre-forward as they look to strengthen their ranks in pursuit of a better season next time round.
Chelsea are still in the picture to finish in the Premier League’s top five and qualify for next season’s Champions League, along with being in the Europa Conference League final.
However, Enzo Maresca will be keen on challenging for the Premier League title next term, along with another good run in Europe – ideally in the Champions League.
Pedro’s name has been doing the rounds of late, and TBR Football can confirm what Chelsea’s stance is regarding a potential move for the Brazil international.
Chelsea sources say they don’t plan to hold Joao Pedro talks
Chelsea sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that they have not held talks over Joao Pedro and they don’t intend to do so as it stands.
Pedro has become unsettled at the AMEX following a training ground spat with teammate Jan Paul Van Hecke and we understand his representatives have been doing background checks with potential suitors.
It has been claimed that Chelsea had suddenly shown an interest, but Stamford Bridge sources were quick to insist that he was not one of their leading striker options going into the summer.
Chelsea do want at least one new striker this summer and the likes of Liam Delap, Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are amongst the options on their radar – but Pedro is not.
Newcastle United remain huge fans of Pedro, whilst Arsenal and Liverpool are admirers of the Brazilian.
However, as TBR Football have revealed, Brighton are not looking to sell Pedro and, if they did, would demand a fee close to £100million.
How Chelsea’s attacking transfer targets compare
Delap has enjoyed a superb season in the Premier League, shining despite playing for a struggling Ipswich Town side.
In addition, his £30million release clause makes him relatively inexpensive, and he’s just 22, which means he’s nowhere near his prime yet.
Meanwhile, Sesko is a year younger than Delap and he’s more proven at a high level, having netted four goals in the Champions League.
| Name | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes played | Age |
| Liam Delap | 39 | 12 | 2 | 2.650′ | 22 |
| Benjamin Sesko | 45 | 21 | 6 | 3.258′ | 21 |
| Viktor Gyokeres | 51 | 53 | 13 | 4.128′ | 26 |
| Victor Osimhen | 40 | 36 | 8 | 3.148′ | 26 |
Gyokeres, 26, has been especially prolific this season, with a staggering 53 goals along with 13 assists.
Osimhen, also 26, has also impressed with 36 goals in all competitions, winning the double at Galatasaray this season.
