Chelsea has reached an agreement to sign Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60 million. The 23-year-old striker has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues and is set to fly to the United States to undergo a medical before joining his new teammates for the Club World Cup.

Pedro's arrival at Chelsea comes just in time, as he could make his debut in the quarter-final against Palmeiras on Friday. The transfer is particularly notable as it reflects Chelsea's strong relationship with Brighton, who have included a sell-on clause in the agreement.

The Brazilian forward, who had been a subject of interest from several clubs, including Newcastle, chose Chelsea as his preferred destination. His versatility allows him to play both as a central striker and across the front line, making him a valuable addition to Chelsea's attacking options.

Prior to this move, Pedro had a successful stint at Brighton, contributing significantly in his time there and proving to be a key player in their European campaigns. Although Brighton was initially reluctant to sell, they recognized Pedro's ambition to compete at the highest levels of European football and ultimately agreed to the deal.

Chelsea is also reportedly close to signing Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, adding further depth to their squad as they prepare for the ongoing season and international competitions. With the acquisition of Pedro, Chelsea aims to strengthen their prospects in the upcoming Club World Cup and beyond.