{"id":22163,"date":"2026-07-28T01:28:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T01:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=22163"},"modified":"2026-07-28T01:28:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T01:28:40","slug":"chelsea-now-want-to-sign-a-player-who-would-actually-improve-joao-pedro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=22163","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea now want to sign a player who would actually improve Joao Pedro"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"post-378785\">\n<div class=\"article-follow\">\n<div class=\"article-sharing google-follow\">  <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grv-media\/img\/google-discover.svg\" alt=\"\"\/> <span>Add as preferred source on Google<\/span>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Joao Pedro was Chelsea\u2019s Player of the Season during 2025-26. Including his goals at the Club World Cup, Pedro scored an impressive 23 goals in 53 appearances for the Blues.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Reports say Chelsea have seven untouchables and Pedro is one of them, which is understandable. The Blues saw off interest from Barcelona at the start of the summer to keep the Brazil striker at Chelsea.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-grvmedia-grv-video GRVMultiVideo\"\/>\n<section class=\"grv-talking-point\" data-trigger=\"vue-sidebar\" data-story-id=\"a7ff3fe3-a05c-423f-9e8c-99ae14865441\" data-story-name=\"Chelsea Transfers\" data-comment-id=\"7e28475c-29f4-451b-a92b-b52a55a342d4\" data-story-slug=\"chelsea-transfers\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__inner\">\n<header class=\"grv-talking-point__header\">  <\/header>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__content\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__cta\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-wrap\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-content\">\n<h3 class=\"grv-talking-point__title\">Who should be Joao Pedro\u2019s deputy next season, Folarin Balogun or someone else?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"grv-talking-point__subtitle\">The AS Monaco striker is being linked to Chelsea after impressing at the World Cup \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__embed\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Folarin-Balogun-and-Joao-Pedro-819x1024.png\" alt=\"Folarin Balogun and Joao Pedro's 2025\/26 stats\" class=\"wp-image-375677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Folarin-Balogun-and-Joao-Pedro-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Folarin-Balogun-and-Joao-Pedro-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Folarin-Balogun-and-Joao-Pedro-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Folarin-Balogun-and-Joao-Pedro-912x1140.png 912w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Folarin-Balogun-and-Joao-Pedro-600x750.png 600w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Folarin-Balogun-and-Joao-Pedro.png 1080w\"\/><\/div><figcaption title=\"Credit: Antonio Borga\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Steve Bardens via Getty Images\">Credit: Antonio Borga\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Steve Bardens via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>When Xabi Alonso names his starting line-up to play Fulham in the opening game of the season, Pedro will almost definitely start up top. The former Brighton man is one of the jewels in gaffer Alonso\u2019s crown.<\/p>\n<p>At times last season, Pedro was one of the only Chelsea players who could have some pride in his form. Alonso will be keen to get the best out of his players, so to improve Pedro would be some going.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chelsea-want-danny-welbeck-a-former-teammate-of-joao-pedro\">Chelsea want Danny Welbeck, a former teammate of Joao Pedro<\/h2>\n<p>Priorities for Chelsea in the transfer market are Maxence Lacroix, a left-back, a box-to-box midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper. But competition for Pedro up top is also possible despite Chelsea\u2019s pecking order.<\/p>\n<p>The Blues also boast Emmanuel Emegha, Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson \u2013 though it is unlikely Chelsea start the season with all three at Stamford Bridge. So it came as a surprise to hear Chelsea\u2019s latest target.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-2205232051-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Danny Welbeck before Manchester City vs Brighton &#038; Hove Albion\" class=\"wp-image-290856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-2205232051-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-2205232051-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-2205232051-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-2205232051-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-2205232051-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-2205232051-750x500.jpg 750w\"\/><\/div><figcaption title=\"MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Danny Welbeck of Brighton &amp; Hove Albion looks on during the pre-match warm up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Brighton &amp; Hove Albion FC at Etihad Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley\/Getty Images)\">Photo by Gareth Copley\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Brighton\u2019s Danny Welbeck could be the next player to make the move from The Amex to West London, following his old pal Pedro as well as Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella and plenty more.<\/p>\n<p>Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals for Brighton last season, and Chelsea are likely to view him as good cover for Pedro in the final third. A bit of much-needed experience, with Welbeck now aged 35.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-welbeck-can-make-pedro-a-better-striker-for-chelsea\">Why Welbeck can make Pedro a better striker for Chelsea<\/h2>\n<p>Pedro played for a total of 2926 minutes in games that Welbeck also played in while at Brighton. The Brazilian striker scored 18 goals in those matches, as well as laying on five assists for the Seagulls.<\/p>\n<section class=\"grv-talking-point\" data-trigger=\"vue-sidebar\" data-story-id=\"a7ff3fe3-a05c-423f-9e8c-99ae14865441\" data-story-name=\"Chelsea Transfers\" data-comment-id=\"d12ac2d0-30dd-497c-b05f-899cc80e8ffa\" data-story-slug=\"chelsea-transfers\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__inner\">\n<header class=\"grv-talking-point__header\">  <\/header>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__content\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__cta\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-wrap\">\n<p><h3 class=\"grv-talking-point__title\">Danny Welbeck to Chelsea out of nowhere! Share your thoughts below \ud83d\ude31<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__embed\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Danny-Welbeck-819x1024.png\" alt=\"Danny Welbeck of Brighton\" class=\"wp-image-378777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Danny-Welbeck-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Danny-Welbeck-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Danny-Welbeck-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Danny-Welbeck-912x1140.png 912w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Danny-Welbeck-600x750.png 600w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/07\/Danny-Welbeck.png 1080w\"\/><\/div><figcaption title=\"Danny Welbeck of Brighton &amp; Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brighton &amp; Hove Albion at Elland Road in Leeds, United Kingdom, on May 17, 2026. (Photo by Scott Llewellyn\/MI News\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\">Photo by Scott Llewellyn\/MI News\/NurPhoto via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>An average of a goal every 162.5 minutes for Pedro, and that was for Brighton. In a Chelsea shirt, Pedro has averaged a goal every 167.7 minutes. It\u2019s only a small difference, but Welbeck improves Pedro.<\/p>\n<p>Whether it be his experience to lean on, or simply the competition of a striker that regularly reaches double digits in the Premier League, Pedro is even better with Welbeck alongside him, or pushing him.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more-wrapper lazy see-more-open see-more-blank extra-content\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/analysis\/chelsea-now-want-to-sign-a-player-who-would-actually-improve-joao-pedro\/none\" data-type=\"subscribe\">\n<div class=\"see-more subscribe\">\n<figure class=\"newsletter\">\n<div><svg class=\"loading\" width=\"118\" height=\"36\" viewbox=\"0 0 118 36\"><use href=\"#dots-svg\"\/><\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"signup\"><span class=\"hf\">Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><script>grvLoadAnalytics = () => {(function(d,s,i){var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0),j=d.createElement(s);j.async=true;j.src=\"https:\/\/www.googletagmanager.com\/gtag\/js?id=\"+i;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(document,'script','G-E7VRWQHDP6');(function(d,s,i){if(!\/callback=in\/.test(window.location.search)){var e=d.createElement(s);var n=d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0);e.type=\"text\/javascript\";e.async=true;e.src=\"https:\/\/static.chartbeat.com\/js\/chartbeat.js\";n.parentNode.insertBefore(e,n);}})(document,\"script\",\"G-E7VRWQHDP6\");(function(){let s=document.createElement(\"script\");s.async=true;s.dataset.domain=\"thechelseachronicle.com\/MFj4XQ\";s.src=\"https:\/\/api.publytics.net\/js\/script.manual.ping.min.js\";document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")(0).appendChild(s);})();if(!\/callback=in\/.test(window.location.search)){setTimeout(function(){!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=();t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)(0);s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script','https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');fbq('init','663509325503632');fbq('track','PageView');fbq('track','ViewContent',{content_name:'Chelsea now want to sign a player who would actually improve Joao Pedro',content_category:'Analysis',content_ids:(378785,\"joao-pedro\"),content_type:'post',});},3000);}}<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Add as preferred source on Google Joao Pedro was Chelsea\u2019s Player of the Season during&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22164,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22163","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22163"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22163\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/22164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}