Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are reportedly looking to hijack Newcastle United’s move for Brighton attacking sensation Joao Pedro.

According to a report from The Sun, Chelsea are plotting a raid on Brighton & Hove Albion for the signature of Joao Pedro. The Blues are looking to hijack Newcastle United’s move for the Brazilian forward as Enzo Maresca is believed to be a massive admirer of the youngster.

Pedro has only gone from strength to strength since joining the Seagulls from Watford in the summer of 2023. Last season, the 23-year-old forward was involved in 27 Premier League games, and he ended up contributing towards 16 goals (17 in all competitions).

While he was considered a key part of their first team, Brighton are now ready to cash in on him after he was axed for the last two games of the season by Fabian Hurzeler. He even had a training-ground bust-up with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke, which did not help his cause.

Chelsea want to steal a march on Newcastle United for Joao Pedro

The Seagulls already have Charalampos Kostoulas as an ideal replacement. As a result, they are more than willing to listen to offers for his signature. Newcastle United are keen on signing him as Eddie Howe is keen on adding him to their squad after having missed out on him three years back when he was still at Watford.

The Magpies are believed to be the front-runners, but Chelsea are looking to steal a march on them. While the Blues have added Liam Delap to their squad, Maresca still wants more firepower and considers Joao Pedro an ideal fit for his system and the club’s project.

His ability to feature anywhere across the frontline is one of the major reasons why Chelsea are pushing hard to sign him. While the West London outfit are yet to open negotiations with the Seagulls, they are considering making a move soon.

Newcastle United front-runners for Pedro’s signature

The Blues are plotting a raid on Brighton for Joao Pedro, but they are clearly behind Newcastle United at this point. As per Graeme Bailey via TBR, the Tyneside club are leading the race for the £60 million man’s signature.

He said: “Brighton are accepting that Pedro can go. Last summer they were pricing him at £100m, he was seen as their future – but things have not worked out under Fabian Hurzeler.

“Pedro had a serious falling out with Jan Paul van Hecke and, although Brighton insist that is now put to bed, which it is, that whole incident has convinced both parties that a parting of the ways is the right thing.

“Now from £100million last summer, I am told that Brighton are accepting below £60million is the likely price. That still represents a substantial profit for them. Newcastle are very much leading the charge and their talks with Pedro’s camp have gone well, but others including Chelsea are very much keeping tabs on this situation.”

While the Seagulls wanted a fortune for Pedro last summer, they are willing to accept a much lower figure this time around, as things have not worked out for him under Hurzeler. Newcastle United have been closely monitoring his situation over the years and see this as a great opportunity to sign a world-class talent.

Howe has a long-standing interest in him and can certainly help him improve his game further. The player is keen on playing in the Champions League, and the Tyneside club can certainly offer them that opportunity. They have held positive talks with his camp. As a result, it will be interesting to see how things pan out.