£50m signing could play for Chelsea this Friday – but Maresca may have other plans | OneFootball

Chelsea yesterday came close to another major deal as their summer reinforcement went on – Joao Pedro is the latest addition, joining from Brighton for a fee of over £50m, as they discussed on the London is Blue podcast last night.

Chelsea could use new signing as soon as this week

Joao Pedro celebrates a goal. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

“A deal for the 23 year old forward in excess of £50m, on a seven year contract, a Brazilian international – not the only one at Chelsea,” presenter Dan Dormer said.

“And it’s highlighted that actually he flew from Brazil to American today [29th June] so that he can get his medical done and actually be a part of the squad for the next round of the Club World Cup. so that would allow him to play in the Palmeiras game, which is beneficial. We could always use a little forward help here or there. In his first campaign at Brighton he played almost 2800 minutes and had 20 goals across all competitions, 3 assists. The following year 2200 minutes, 10 goals and 7 assists.”

WATCH Chelsea vs. Palmeiras in the Club World Cup Quarter-Finals for free on any device with DAZN.

Club World Cup an interesting test of Chelsea’s Joao Pedro plans

With a six day rest after our last game and Nicolas Jackson returning to action for the next round, we really don’t expect to see Joao Pedro at all. But if we can make it to the semi finals, the Brazilian will have had more than a week training with the team, and could be in contention.

With Delap and Jackson available up front but a lack of options out wide beyond Pedro Neto, Tyrique George and Noni Madueke, it will be a very interesting preview of what might be to come in the season and of what Enzo Maresca thinks the former Brighton man’s position will be long term.