João Pedro – Chelsea’s Newest Wonderkid?

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After winning the UEFA Conference League in a troubled year, Chelsea are finally looking like they have the team composition to make the 2025/26 season something special. 

With the signing of João Pedro and his performance in the FIFA Club World Cup, those with Chelsea tickets are feeling like they have their newest playmaker. 

The signing of João Pedro 

The Brazilian, who joined Chelsea from Brighton last week, is one of 19 forwards to have signed for the Blues under their American owners, who have now spent £600m on attacking players since assuming control of the club in 2022.

After making his debut in the Club World Cup quarter-final win over Palmeiras on Saturday, the frontman was handed his first start in the last-four tie against Fluminense – his boyhood side – and announced his arrival with two stunning strikes on either side of half-time.

With 18 minutes gone, the Brazilian collected a half-cleared cross on the corner of the penalty area, took one touch to steady himself and arrowed a stunning drive past 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio and into the far corner to open the scoring.

His second was just as aesthetically pleasing as he ran onto Enzo Fernandez’s throughball from near the halfway line, darted into the box and slammed a right-footed shot into the net via the crossbar 11 minutes into the second half.

With Chelsea set to receive £21.9m for reaching the final, João Pedro’s goalscoring exploits on Tuesday mean he has already repaid over a third of his transfer fee.

“It was a dream,” he told DAZN afterwards. “I don’t think it could have gone any better.

“I’m happy to have scored my first goals. [The Club World Cup] would be my first title as well. I only came here a week ago, and now I’m going to play the final.”

An All-Round Performance 

Enzo Maresca’s side has wasted little time in bolstering their attacking options this summer, bringing in Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian from Palmeiras – as well as João Pedro.

The former Brighton striker, who scored 30 goals in 70 games for the Seagulls after joining from Watford in 2023, has been signed to provide competition for the number nine and 10 positions.

And he staked his claim for a regular place in Maresca’s team with a superb full debut at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

The Brazilian found the net with two of his three attempts, and both of his efforts were on target. Only Christopher Nkunku registered as many shots, while no other Blues player had as many shots on target.

The forward also gave the Blues an attacking focal point, competing in nine duels and four aerial duels before being replaced by Nicolas Jackson on the hour mark.

Only Nkunku and Moises Caicedo – both of whom were on the pitch a lot longer – registered more duels overall, with only Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah taking part in as many aerial tussles.

“It’s not just the goals,” said ex-Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale on DAZN. “It’s the link-up play, it’s the passing, it’s the vision. It was a great all-around performance.

“This is the next step up in his career. He’s on the right trajectory. We can see the ability he’s got and hopefully he can keep kicking on.”

England forward Callum Wilson added: “He’s already a player with confidence, but he will have wanted to hit the ground running straight away, and that’s exactly what he has done.

“What a signing he could turn out to be.”

Those with Chelsea tickets ahead of the 2025/26 season are already vouching for the talent of Pedro, who, at a very young age, is showcasing skills and talent unlike the rest. 

However, the interesting conversation that the manager will need to have is on how well he will utilise his new signing with his star-studded lineup, who are all anxiously waiting to be on the first team. 

Noni Madueke Up or Sale

Chelsea are expecting an offer from Arsenal for Noni Madueke.

According to those with Chelsea tickets and media reports, the 23-year-old winger is emerging as a top target for Arsenal.

The Gunners have considered several players for the forward positions, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. It is understood they have kept an eye on Madueke’s development. There has not been any club-to-club contact yet.

Arsenal have only added goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and are looking to sign a left winger. Madueke, though, played at right wing 33 times for Chelsea during the 2024/25 season and only seven on the left.

Arsenal also have Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri to fill the right-winger spot.

Following Chelsea’s 2-1 quarter-final win against Palmeiras at the Club World Cup on Saturday, head coach Enzo Maresca said that any players in his squad who are unhappy are free to leave.

Chelsea signed Madueke from PSV Eindhoven for £29m in January 2023, and he has five years left on his contract.

Chelsea have strengthened significantly in attack with strikers Liam Delap arriving for £30m from Ipswich Town and João Pedro joining from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60m.

The club also added Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of £48.5m plus £3.5m in potential add-ons.

Chelsea Wants Gonzalo Garcia

It’s been a few days since Chelsea signed a striker, so of course, there are more links with another. 

The club is willing to pay €40m to land 21-year-old Real Madrid forward Gonzalo García, who has impressed at the Club World Cup, but has only played five times in LaLiga. 

New Madrid coach Xabi Alonso reportedly wants to keep the youngster, with €72m signing Endrick likely to move out on loan as a result. 

Still, Chelsea are seeking another centre forward to replace Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea Transfers 

In: 

• Jamie Gittens – Dortmund, £51.5m
• João Pedro – Brighton, £60m
• Liam Delap – Ipswich, £30m
• Estevao Willian – Palmeiras, £29.1m
• Dario Essugo – Sporting, £18.5m
• Mamadou Sarr – RC Strasbourg, undisclosed

Out:

• Bashir Humphrey – Burnley, undisclosed
• Marcus Bettinelli – Man City, undisclosed
• Kepa Arrizabalga – Arsenal, £5m

Chelsea tickets for the pre-season are now available on sale.

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