Chelsea’s key scouting connection to £50m attacker explained | OneFootball

We have to admit, we have not been too convinced by the talk of a Chelsea move for Brighton striker Joao Pedro thus far.

The Brazilian only managed 10 goals and 6 assists last season, when you consider 5 of them were penalties, it’s even less impressive. He’s a grafter for sure, and can play across the attacking line. But he’s by no means prolific.

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Rumours about Brazilian attacker ramp up

Joao Pedro of Brighton and Hove Albion is a target of Chelsea (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Still, the rumour we hear are only getting more intense and convincing. Julien Laurens has today written for ESPN about our interest, and claimed that he’s been on our radar for some time. Laurens also draws the essential link which brings a lot of credibility to the idea – Sam Jewell.

Chelsea’s director of global recruitment was the man who brought Joao Pedro to Brighton from Watford a couple of years ago, in his last really big deal before moving to Stamford Bridge.

According to Laurens, Chelsea “see a great opportunity” to sign the 23 year old and develop him, with the connection to Jewell a major factor. The Blues also like his reasonable £45m-50m asking price, and his versatility.

A source told the ESPN writer that Chelsea have made an enquiry, and that Joao Pedro is keen on the move to London. Newcastle are also said to be in the mix.

Chelsea face competition for Joao Pedro from Magpies

Think of the former Watford man a bit like Nicolas Jackson – hard working, tough, good in link up play, able to play out wide or centrally, but not a natural goal machine.

Laurens says Newcastle are also interested in Joao Pedro, meaning there won’t be any easy deal to be done here. That price could easily climb past the £50m predicted.