Joao Pedro makes new demand that could rule both Chelsea and Newcastle United out of signing him

Add as preferred source on Google

Despite signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town earlier this month, Chelsea still appear to be open to bringing in another striker.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with Hugo Ekitike, but the Eintracht Frankfurt star’s price tag makes a deal difficult.

Ekitike was in superb form last season, scoring 22 goals in 48 appearances. The French youngster also managed to record 12 assists.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro represents a cheaper alternative, but signing him is not straightforward either.

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

Joao Pedro wants to be first-choice striker at next club

Chelsea could make an offer for Pedro this summer, but they may find it difficult to convince the 23-year-old to join them.

According to Sky Sports, Pedro will only consider joining a club where he is going to be first-choice striker. That, of course, is not something Enzo Maresca can guarantee him, while Newcastle United are also in a similar position because of Alexander Isak.

Chelsea have just signed Delap, who will be expected to feature heavily in the new campaign. The England Under-21 international is someone whom Maresca is familiar with after their time together at Manchester City, while he is already making an impact under the Italian.

Delap has two goal contributions in three games at the Club World Cup, scoring last time out against Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

The Blues still have Nicolas Jackson as well, so Pedro is going to have to compete for a spot if he does join Chelsea. As per The Telegraph, Brighton are looking for around £60m for their forward.

How Joao Pedro and Liam Delap compare

Delap cost half of what Pedro is going to go for and his 2024/25 campaign was just as good as the Brazilian’s if not better.

Delap scored 12 goals in the Premier League, while Pedro scored 10, though the former played more minutes. However, the ex-Ipswich man also had a better xG difference.

All things considered, Chelsea can be happy with their purchase of Delap, even if it now stops them from landing Pedro.