According to reports from The Star this morning, Chelsea are confident of wrapping up a £22million deal for Barcelona forward Pedro by the end of next week.
The 27 year-old has done and won it all throughout his tenures with the Catalans and the Spanish national team, winning five La Liga titles, three Champions League titles, the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
But the £75million arrival of Luis Suarez last summer has forced him out of Barca’s starting Xi, leading many to speculate he’d leave the Nou Camp this summer with his contract into it’s final twelve months.
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Pedro appeared to put rumours to rest by penning extended terms until 2019 in June. But he’s since described his situation with the Catalans as ‘delicate‘ and admitted he’s already received some offers to leave the club.
Liverpool, PSG and Arsenal have all been mooted as potential suitors of the 5 foot 6 attacker, but Chelsea have emerged as the front-runners for his signature – with the Cesc Fabregas connection reportedly pulling Pedro towards a Stamford Bridge move.
And according to The Star, the Premier League champions are now confident of wrapping up a deal next week, following Barcelona’s presidential election on Saturday.
Although the 51-cap international’s contract includes a £22million release clause, the club’s temporary board – in place to ensure impartiality during the elections – aren’t permitted to sign off on any transfers.