Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing Brighton & Hove Albion's star forward, Joao Pedro, in a deal worth potentially £60 million. The move is aimed at bolstering the Blues' squad ahead of their ongoing FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States.

According to reports, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Brighton for the 23-year-old Brazilian, beating out competition from other clubs, including Newcastle. The deal is structured as an initial £55 million with £5 million in potential add-ons. Pedro is expected to sign a long-term contract with Chelsea, reportedly until 2032.

The transfer is expected to be completed swiftly, with Pedro scheduled to fly from Brazil to the USA to undergo a medical. If all goes according to plan, he could be registered in time to feature in Chelsea's Club World Cup quarter-final match against Palmeiras. FIFA's special Club World Cup transfer deadline is July 3rd, and Chelsea are keen to have Pedro available for selection by then.

This move signifies Chelsea's ambition to strengthen their squad under their new manager, Enzo Maresca. Pedro's versatility as an attacker is highly valued, and he is expected to add significant depth to Chelsea's forward line. The acquisition of Pedro also raises questions about the future of other Chelsea forwards, such as Nicolas Jackson, while Christopher Nkunku has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

Chelsea's path to the Club World Cup quarter-finals was recently secured in a dramatic match against Benfica. The game, held in Charlotte, North Carolina, saw Chelsea emerge victorious with a 4-1 scoreline after extra time. Reece James initially put Chelsea ahead, but a late penalty for Benfica forced extra time. Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall eventually sealed the win for Chelsea. The match was also notable for a near two-hour weather delay due to a thunderstorm, causing frustration for manager Enzo Maresca. Maresca described the situation as a "joke" and "not football," highlighting the challenges posed by the tournament's scheduling and weather conditions.

With the potential addition of Joao Pedro, Chelsea will hope to improve their chances of success in the Club World Cup. Their quarter-final clash against Palmeiras promises to be a tough encounter, and Pedro's presence could provide a valuable boost to the team's attacking options.