Chelsea is close to signing Pedro from Barcelona in an effort to kick-start its season and gazzump a rival.
Pedro is nearing an agreement to join Chelsea from Barcelona in a transfer worth around £21 million ($33 million), The Telegraph’s Matt Law and The Independent’s James Orr reported Wednesday. Pedro reportedly has traveled from Barcelona to London, where he will undergo a physical examination and finalize contract negotiations Thursday. Both processes are believed to be mere formalities in Pedro’s case, and the dynamic winger appears certain to join the Blues in the coming days.
Chelsea capitalized on Manchester United’s failure to agree to a payment structure on Pedro’s transfer. Chelsea used the opportunity to launch “Operation Pedro” — an overnight intervention that successfully convinced Barcelona and the player to choose Blue over Red, according to Law.
Pedro, 28, boasts one of the most impressive resumes in world soccer. He scored 99 goals in 326 games for Barcelona since making his debut in 2008. He helped the Spanish giant win 22 trophies, including five La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles. He also contributed to Spain’s successes at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championships.
Although Pedro has been an important part of Barcelona’s most glorious era, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi currently are ahead of him in Barcelona’s attacking pecking order. Rather than spend a second consecutive season behind Barcelona’s all-conquering trident, Pedro apparently will decide to take up residence opposite Eden Hazard as a winger in Chelsea’s attack.
Chelsea is off to a slow start in 2015-16, having earned only one point from its first two Premier League games. Mourinho reportedly assured Pedro he’ll start him regularly in Chelsea’s quest to defend its Premier League title and improve its Champions League prospects.
Manchester United, which leads Chelsea by five points in the Premier League standings, will continue its search for attacking reinforcements.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@SkyFootball
