Transfer: Chelsea, Newcastle battle for Joao Pedro

Chelsea have shortlist Brighton forward Joao Pedro as their prior attacking targets this summer, with the 23-year-old Brazilian emerging as a highly rated option at Stamford Bridge

Initial contact has already been made with Brighton as the Blues seek to understand the player’s availability and potential price tag. Newcastle United have also entered the race, approaching the Seagulls earlier this week as they look to bolster their frontline.

Joao Pedro’s performances in the Premier League have not gone unnoticed, and both clubs see him as a strategic fit to strengthen their attacking depth ahead of the new season.

Brighton are believed to value the forward at around £60 million, a figure that reflects their wider strategy of nurturing young talent and selling at a premium. Joao Pedro, who joined from Watford, has become the latest in a line of players to attract serious interest after proving his quality on the south coast.

The battle for his signing highlights a broader shift in the transfer landscape, where clubs like Brighton now command significant negotiating power. Their approach—built on player development and firm valuations—is forcing even the Premier League’s traditional big spenders to reassess how they operate in the market.