Chelsea Transfer News: Pedro Has Medical as Blues Gazump Manchester United

Barcelona star Pedro is undergoing a medical with Chelsea after the Blues hijacked Manchester United's proposed move for the player.

That's according to Luis Rojo of Marca, who added: "Pedro Rodriguez is all set to join Chelsea. The Blues and Barca struck a deal on Tuesday night for an initial €28 million plus another €2 million in add-ons, gazumping Manchester United's offer of €25 million up front and up to €5 million in extras."

The news was also confirmed by Spanish football expert Rafael Hernandez:

According to Dan King of the Sun (via Jonathan Green of the Daily Star), manager Jose Mourinho is against the forward's acquisition, but it appears owner Roman Abramovich has made an executive decision to bring him in with Chelsea struggling in their opening two Premier League fixtures.

Despite Mourinho's reported objections, it was a personal call from the manager that sealed the deal, per Matt Barlow and Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail.

Further, it seems as though Mourinho isn't the only manager not interested in signing Pedro, with the Daily Mail's Mike Keegan reporting that United boss Louis van Gaal made the call for the Red Devils to back out of the race:

Bleacher Report's Spanish football expert Guillem Balague elaborated on why the player won't end up at United:

The Spaniard scored 11 goals and assisted nine in all competitions last season, but he was largely brought on as a substitute and used to cover Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.

Pedro will add some much-needed competitive depth to Chelsea's squad.

While the Blues have the likes of Juan Cuadrado, Victor Moses and Loic Remy in their ranks, the 28-year-old is far more incisive and offers a higher-quality alternative, which will be useful for the long campaign ahead.

What could be a concern is Mourinho's reported stance on the transfer.

If he is reluctant to sign Pedro, the forward may struggle to get the minutes on the pitch that he so clearly desires—after all, his lack of minutes at Barca is the sole cause of him wanting a move away from the club.

What is certain is Chelsea seem to have acquired a player of outstanding talent and one who is capable of helping them regain a foothold in the title race.

How successful he will be largely depends on Mourinho's management of the situation.