Joao Pedro has already had a run-in with key Chelsea player, it could spell trouble

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Reports that Chelsea are interested in signing Joao Pedro are beginning to pick up traction as the Blues prepare to continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

Enzo Maresca has claimed Chelsea need a new winger, however a versatile option could be attractive for the manager as he looks to build on their top four finish in the 2024/25 campaign.

Versatility is one of three reasons why Chelsea think Pedro is the perfect signing for them, and the Brazilian is likely to move on from Brighton this summer.

Pedro is open to a move to Chelsea, however will need to put to bed an altercation that emerged during a Blues fixture against Brighton in December 2023.

Joao Pedro has already clashed with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez

Despite the Brazilian’s goal, Chelsea ran out 3-2 winners despite Conor Gallagher’s red card. Enzo Fernandez found the net twice.

As the Seagulls pushed for a late equaliser, Pedro clashed with a number of Chelsea players, one of those being the World Cup winner.

The pair squared up to each other at full-time, however it was the Blues who got the best of this meeting between the two sides.

If Pedro was to make the switch to Stamford Bridge, the duo would both be key players for Maresca’s side, and would need to put any differences to bed before they link up on the pitch.

Fernandez’s dream Chelsea signing

Despite Pedro’s quality, he is not the player that the midfielder is dreaming of playing alongside in West London if he had his way.

Fernandez admitted he’d love Chelsea to sign Julian Alvarez, a player he now has plenty of experience featuring with for the Argentine national team.

The former Manchester City man has taken to life at Atletico Madrid with ease, however any pursuit of him would not be on the cards due to Chelsea’s recent signing of Liam Delap.

The Blues face significant competition to sign Pedro, however also have a number of other attackers on their shortlist. Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho are admired by the club.