Brighton have rejected bids from Newcastle and an unnamed Premier League club for Chelsea target Joao Pedro, according to a report.
The Brazilian is looking to leave the Amex this summer as he feels that he is ready for the next step in his career. In two years at Brighton, Pedro has scored a very solid 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 70 games.
The 23-year-old’s desire to move on has been confirmed by teammate Igor Julio, and the defender has even suggested that Pedro will prioritise a transfer to London, where Chelsea recently ignited their pursuit.
“Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, look for new things, take the next step,” Julio told Trivela. “He always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what comes from there.”
However, Chelsea are not the only Premier League club interested in Pedro, with the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle also keen. The latter, in fact, have already made their opening bid for the Brazil international.
Brighton rejected Pedro bids
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Newcastle made an offer in excess of £50 million (€58.5m) for Pedro. However, that proposal was knocked back by Brighton.
The Magpies are expected to return with a second, improved bid, but Jacobs also states that they are not the only side to have submitted an offer for the versatile forward.
A second, unnamed Premier League side also had an approach for a similar fee rejected in recent days. Obviously, it is not clear if the bid came from Chelsea or any of Pedro’s other suitors.
The Blues are, however, still in the market for a forward despite signing Liam Delap. With Nicolas Jackson not considered untouchable, and liked by Arsenal as revealed by The Transfers Podcast, the Stamford Bridge club are looking for a striker with a different profile to Delap.
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