Chelsea Transfer News: Pedro Barcelona Exit Expected, Latest Blues Rumours

Chelsea have reportedly been given clearance to complete a deal for Barcelona winger Pedro, with a £22 million transfer reportedly set to be finalised next week.  

According to Paul Brown of the Daily Star, the Blues had the “green light” to complete a £22 million transfer on Tuesday night. The piece claims that a four-year contract has already been offered to the Barcelona star, and now, manager Jose Mourinho is “confident of completing the transfer without a hitch.”

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Brown does note that a deal cannot be completely finalised until the conclusion of the Blaugrana’s upcoming presidential elections, which are set to take place this weekend.

Here’s a glimpse at what Pedro will bring to the Premier League:

According to Louis Sealey of Metro, the World Cup winner has also been attracting interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Juventus. But Chelsea now look to be in pole position to bring in the exciting winger, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Nou Camp since the arrival of Luis Suarez in the summer of 2014.

As noted here by OptaJose, last season was probably the most frustrating so far in Pedro’s La Liga career:

But there’s still a fine player in there somewhere. It’s worth remembering that prior to the purchase of the Uruguayan striker, Pedro was a key component of a wonderful Barcelona side.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Mainly stationed on the right flank, he was a raw and thrilling foil for the magic of Lionel Messi in a central position. Pedro’s ability to take full-backs on, dazzle opponents with tremendous pieces of skill and get on the end of chances made him one of the most feared wide players in the game.

He’s a willing worker, too, as we can see here, courtesy of Mourinholic:

Chelsea probably need a refreshed attacking presence on the flanks. While Eden Hazard and Willian add plenty out wide, the Blues don’t possess and abundance of depth in these positions. Juan Cuadrado is in situ, but as of yet, things haven’t gone well for him at Stamford Bridge.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press/Associated Press

One potential negative to Pedro joining Chelsea would be him blocking the path into the first team for some younger players. As noted by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe, the Blues have plenty of bright academy prospects:

But for £22 million, Chelsea would be getting a player who has performed at the highest level, won the biggest honours in the game and scored big goals at vital times for Barcelona. If Mourinho can get him to replicate those kinds of levels in the iconic all blue strip, he'd be some signing.

Pedro would surely be hungry to prove himself as well. There’s been plenty of revisionism about his ability since Suarez arrived, and although he’s not quite at the levels of the ex-Liverpool man, Neymar or Messi, few in the game are. However, there's no denying that when he's in full flight, Pedro is a player of high quality.