Chelsea submit opening offer for Joao Pedro

Brighton and Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro could be headed for Chelsea this summer, after the Blues submitted their first offer for the Brazilian player. Chelsea have beaten Newcastle and Man Utd to the 23-year-old's signature, as the former Watford and Fluminese player appears set on a move to Stamford Bridge.

It is understood that the Blues will pay around £60 million for the penalty specialist, and the player will sign a six-year contract at the Bridge. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has a budget of around £150 million to spend on new players, with Joao Pedro at the top of his transfer wishlist.

Since Joao Pedro's arrival at the AMEX Stadium, the 6 foot striker has scored 19 goals in 58 Premier League games and has caught the eye. Prior to that, three successful years at Vicarage Road were completed, with the Brazil international scoring 23 goals in 104 games.

The Blues are confident that a transfer will be agreed in a matter of weeks, as Maresca hopes to give his team time to rest and recuperate after the ongoing Club World Cup in the United States.