Chelsea handed chance to repeat Joao Pedro trick and hijack move for £43m winger

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Chelsea’s effective transfer business this summer has come at a cost to some of their rival Premier League clubs.

Newcastle United were seen as the favourites to sign Joao Pedro by many before he put pen to paper on his long-term contract with the Blues.

It has been reported Chelsea caught Newcastle off guard with a £60m offer that they weren’t prepared to meet to sign the Brazilian.

With the Blues also beating Manchester United to the signing of Liam Delap, they are proving to not be too popular amongst fellow Premier League sides this summer.

Another club who are not huge fans of Chelsea right now are Nottingham Forest. Their win at the City Ground ended Forest’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

Chelsea handed chance to hijack Nottingham Forest’s move for Malick Fofana

It seems Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are still looking to strengthen, and have reportedly come to an agreement with Lyon over the signing of Malick Fofana.

Fofana has been linked with a move to Chelsea already this summer, and impressed in his breakout season of 2024/25.

However, Fabrizio Romano has stated that the player is yet to agree to the move, and is waiting around for sides in the Champions League to make their move, opening the door for Chelsea.

He said: “Nottingham Forest have agreed deal with Olympique Lyon for Malick Fofana… but no agreement yet on player side.

“Fofana, waiting for Champions League clubs with Chelsea still keen on the player. Understand Bayern and Napoli have also called to make initial approach.”

The French side are in dire straits right now having been relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial problems, and could be forced to part ways with more key players to raise funds.

They have already sold Rayan Cherki to Manchester City, and are optimistically holding out for around £43m for Fofana.

Chelsea tipped to sign another attacker

Never ones to miss out on an opportunity, Chelsea are being tipped to sign another attacker at some point of this summer.

This would be in addition to Pedro, Delap and Jamie Gittens, and could come at the expense of one of their current stars.

Noni Madueke has been linked with a move away from the club, with Arsenal reportedly keen admirers of the England international.

There is hope at the club that they can part ways with Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, however finding a permanent suitor for them could prove tricky.