Chelsea’s squad definitely appears to be in a healthy spot right now, especially when you factor in the new recruits.
Chelsea took a step in the right direction last season by finishing fourth in the Premier League, plus they won the Club World Cup and Conference League to collect two pieces of silverware. Therefore, it must be exciting for Blues manager Enzo Maresca that the club have backed him further this summer by making several high-profile signings.
We’ve seen plenty of quality incomings arrive at Stamford Bridge recently, and speculation suggests there could yet be more.
Chelsea expect to sign Xavi Simons, RB Leipzig’s attacking midfielder, before the end of the month. In addition, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Alejandro Garnacho, the skilful winger tipped to be on his way out of Manchester United this summer.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesJoe Cole tips Chelsea signing Joao Pedro to go to another level
According to Blues legend Joe Cole, Chelsea may not realise yet just how good Joao Pedro actually is following his arrival from Brighton.
The 23-year-old forward has certainly made a rapid start for the Blues, scoring three goals in three matches this summer to help win the Club World Cup. Also, he came off the bench and scored in Friday night’s pre-season win against Bayer Leverkusen. Perhaps there is still a lot more to come from him, though.
When discussing Chelsea frontman Pedro, Cole told TNT Sports: “He looked like he had been a Chelsea player for years [at the Club World Cup]… He can play centre-forward, he can play off the left, and he can play off the right. I think they probably don’t realise how much of a good player they’ve got. I think there is another level for him to go up.”
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Without a doubt, Pedro looks like Chelsea’s best signing from the bunch of talented summer recruits.
Even though the Brazilian attacker can play anywhere across the frontline, it looks like he’s solved a problem in the No.9 position. However, we will have to wait and see if this ruthless finishing streak continues because he’s yet to post huge goalscoring numbers in his career.
ClubAppearancesGoalsWatford10924Brighton7030Fluminense3610Chelsea33Joao Pedro’s senior club career
Based on Pedro’s start in Chelsea colours, the expectation on him should be to push for 20-plus goals across all competitions in the 2025/26 campaign.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill admitted he didn’t realise Pedro’s incredible ability until he started working with him in the summer. It may have just been a case that the attacker needed a huge transfer move to unlock the best version of himself alongside better players.
Of course, Pedro will now feel the extra pressure of trying to start the new season in fine form.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty ImagesChelsea expect big things from Joao Pedro
Back in June before his transfer move, Chelsea rated Pedro extremely highly for three main reasons. They have confidence that he’s got “big potential”, plus they like that he knows the Premier League and can cover multiple roles.
The early signs are that he’s going to be a huge success leading the line at Stamford Bridge, particularly because he’s an intelligent footballer who can excel linking up with Cole Palmer.
In Brighton colours, Pedro did prove in glimpses his top-class potential. Can he now piece everything together on a more consistent basis as a leading figure for Chelsea?