Joao Pedro has been given a £30m reason to join Newcastle United, he just needs to listen

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Newcastle United’s transfer pursuit of Joao Pedro is at risk.

The Magpies are eager to sign the 23-year-old, with Geordie Boot Boys understanding that Joao Pedro is Newcastle’s top target.

Eddie Howe is a long-term admirer of the Brazilian forward, having tried to sign him in 2022. Pedro wanted to join Newcastle, only for the Magpies to bring in Alexander Isak instead.

Pedro is a target again, with Brighton’s number nine unsettled at the Amex Stadium. A move away beckons, with Newcastle hoping to sign Pedro for £60million.

However, there is a problem.

Chelsea challenge Newcastle United for Joao Pedro

The Magpies are not alone in their quest to sign Pedro from Brighton.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has posted an update on X regarding the forward, stating that Chelsea are also in the mix to sign him.

Romano wrote: “Understand Chelsea have Brighton’s João Pedro as one of the targets on their shortlist for this summer, highly appreciated. Initial contacts took place to be informed on situation, as João can leave this summer. Newcastle already approached Brighton this week.”

While the threat of Enzo Maresca’s side is concerning, it was recently reported that Pedro is more likely to join Newcastle than Chelsea.

Pedro must look to Liam Delap before picking Newcastle United

Newcastle United fans are understandably worried about Chelsea snatching a target away from them. They have already done that this summer, with Chelsea signing Liam Delap despite interest from Newcastle.

He moved to Stamford Bridge for £30million, with Newcastle unable to make him the main man up front. Unfortunately for Delap, that honour will always belong to Alexander Isak, so he opted to join the Blues.

It is Delap’s decision to join Chelsea that should convince Pedro to go the other way. He has to pick Newcastle over Chelsea, as there is a clearer path to first-team football.

Chelsea already have Delap and Nicolas Jackson, while the possibility of playing as an attacking midfielder is complicated by Cole Palmer’s presence. No matter how good Pedro is, he will not start ahead of Chelsea’s talisman.

Even if he were to play out wide, he would be competing with Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke. Jamie Gittens could join that list too, with Maresca eager to add the Borussia Dortmund attacker to his squad.

In contrast, Pedro is more likely to be a key player at St James’ Park. He can act as backup to Isak, play alongside him or out wide.

If the dream is playing in the Champions League, then he can achieve that at both clubs.

The main lure Chelsea have over Newcastle is the prospect of living in London and higher wages, but the Toon recruitment team must hope their project is tantalising enough to convince Pedro that Tyneside is the place for him.