Deal ON: Chelsea & Liverpool set to battle for another £100m player
Due to their mutual interest in Brighton’s Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, Chelsea and Liverpool may rekindle their rivalry in the winter market.
The 23-year-old is reputedly valued at £100 million by the Seagulls, who have no immediate plans to trade him. But there is growing conjecture that both teams are getting ready for a possible battle to sign him before the 2025–2026 campaign begins.
Chelsea’s interest comes as manager Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options. The Blues successfully outmanoeuvred Liverpool in 2023 to sign Moises Caicedo in a British-record £115 million deal, and they could repeat history by landing Pedro.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been closely monitoring the striker, with sporting director Richard Hughes said to be a keen admirer. Brighton’s star has impressed since his arrival, earning high regard from top clubs across Europe.
Arsenal have also emerged as a potential destination for Pedro, which could complicate matters for both Chelsea and Liverpool. Whether any of these clubs would meet Brighton’s £100 million valuation remains uncertain, but a transfer saga appears to be on the horizon.