Chelsea announce the arrival of Joao Pedro | OneFootball

Chelsea have completed the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth an initial £55 million plus £5m in add-ons.

The 23-year-old moves to Stamford Bridge on a seven-year contract and is set to join the rest of his teammates immediately in the United States.

Pedro, who impressed during his time at Brighton with 30 goals and 10 assists in 70 appearances, was also heavily linked with Newcastle United.

However, the forward favoured a move to Chelsea as soon as they signified their interest.

“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” Pedro told Chelsea’s official website.

“They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now, so I am excited to join, and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing – win.”

Pedro will be expected to add creativity and goalscoring prowess to Chelsea’s frontline as they prepare to return to the Champions League.

His arrival casts further doubts over the long-term future of Nicolas Jackson, who has endured a rough couple of months, largely due to disciplinary issues.

Chelsea’s next fixture in the Club World Cup will provide an early opportunity to see Pedro in action as they take on Palmeiras for a place in the semi-final of the Club World Cup.

The Blues are set to bring in further attacking reinforcements, having agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

A move for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus has not been ruled out.