Chelsea confirm £60m Joao Pedro signing from Brighton

Chelsea have confirmed the £60m signing of Brighton striker Joao Pedro ahead of their Club World Cup quarter-final tie with Palmeiras.

The versatile Brazilian forward has linked up with his new team-mates in the United States for the rest of their Club World Cup campaign and could be in line to make his debut in the quarter-final against Palmeiras.

Pedro’s arrival, on an eight-year contract for a reported £60million, comes in a summer of heavy spending at Stamford Bridge, with Liam Delap already signed from Ipswich and a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens seemingly imminent.

“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” Pedro said on the Chelsea website.

“They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now, so I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing – win.”

Chelsea saw off competition from Newcastle to land Pedro. The Brazilian caught the eye after a season where he scored 10 times and grabbed six assists for Brighton in the Premier League.

Pedro follows Liam Delap in joining Chelsea this summer, with Jamie Gittens expected to follow shortly from Borussia Dortmund. The Blues have also agreed deals for Willian Estevao Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez to move to Stamford Bridge.

The Brazilian, who has three senior caps, will compete with Delap and Nicolas Jackson for a starting role up front next season but can also be deployed in midfield as well as off the left flank.