The reasons £50m striker would pick Chelsea over Newcastle – and the reason Chelsea may not want him | OneFootball

Chelsea are being strongly linked with a few different forward options right now, among them Nick Woltemade and Hugo Ekitike.

One name which has fallen by the wayside a little is Joao Pedro of Brighton, but according to the Brazilian’s teammate at Brighton Igor Juliao, Pedro would jump at the chance to join the Blues, and has a couple of reasons to pick them over Newcastle, who are also in the race.

Joao Pedro wants out of Brighton – and Chelsea are top choice

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

“Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, seek new things, take the next step. It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here,” Igor said in quotes picked up by the Daily Mirror.

“We have to be honest, the club already knows that. (I’m) very happy for him. He deserves it. He’s been here in England for five years and hasn’t played for a big team yet. It’s his moment, his time, so he can make the best decision and be happy wherever he is.

“He always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what [offers] come from there first.

“I told [Pedro] that he has to think about what he wants from his career. In my opinion, if I were going to a ‘Big Six’ team, I would go to a team that fights for the Premier League, plays in the Champions League and is always in a position to win.”

Pedro doesn’t have the goal record to be elite target for Chelsea

Pedro is a smart player and a hard worker and it makes sense why he would be on our shortlist. However he’s never been prolific, with his non-penalty goals not great for a striker, so it’s obvious why we might put other targets above him, especially at a £50m price point.