Chelsea are considering a £60 million move for Brighton striker Joao Pedro during the summer transfer window. But signing the Brazilian forward may cause serious issues for Cole Palmer, who has become one of the most important players at Stamford Bridge. The club must now weigh the cost and potential risks of the deal before making a final decision.
Joao Pedro is one of the most talked-about young forwards in the Premier League. He had a strong 2023-24 season with Brighton, scoring 10 goals and assisting six more in 27 league games. He played many roles for the team but often led the line or worked just behind the striker. His ability to drop into midfield and link up play made him a key part of Brighton’s attacking system.
Chelsea’s interest in Pedro comes after the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. The club is clearly focused on adding more options in attack. However, critics argue that Pedro’s playing style does not match what Chelsea really need right now. His tendency to drop deep and get involved in build-up play could put him in direct conflict with Cole Palmer, who already takes on that responsibility for Chelsea.
Palmer has quickly become the creative hub of the team. He prefers to move into deeper positions to start attacks and link midfield with attack. If Pedro joins and plays in a similar way, the two could end up occupying the same areas. That would likely hurt the team’s structure and flow. Rather than creating more chances, the presence of both players in similar zones could lead to confusion.
This situation may also affect other players in the squad. Wingers like Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto often look for a classic number nine in the box. They rely on having a striker to finish the crosses and passes they deliver. If Pedro is used ahead of Delap and plays too deep, the wingers may again find themselves creating chances without anyone there to finish them.
There is also the financial side of the deal. Brighton are reportedly asking for at least £60 million to let Pedro leave. That is a big price for a player who may not suit Chelsea’s current system. The Blues are already under pressure to spend carefully after missing out on European competitions. Financial Fair Play rules also limit how much they can invest without offloading other players.
Even though Pedro is believed to be interested in a move to a London club, Chelsea must stay focused on their bigger goal. That goal is building a balanced and effective team under new manager Enzo Maresca. Every signing must fit into his system. Maresca is known for favoring organized play and structured buildup. A striker who drops too deep and overlaps with the midfield may not help that plan.
There are other names being discussed in the transfer market who could be better options. Strikers like Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko offer more physical presence in the box and may give Chelsea what they really need—a strong goal-scorer who stays up front. That would allow Palmer to continue his creative role without disruption and give the wingers a clear target for their deliveries.
Chelsea must learn from past transfer mistakes. The club has spent big on attacking players in recent years, but many of them have failed to live up to expectations. To avoid repeating that pattern, they must focus on players who clearly fit the manager’s vision and the team’s tactical setup.
Joao Pedro is a talented footballer and has shown great promise at Brighton. But spending £60 million on a player whose role may overlap with Palmer’s could cause more harm than good. Chelsea need to make smart, well-planned moves in the market. By avoiding this transfer, they can protect the harmony in their squad and invest in a striker who fits the system.
