Chelsea to give Joao Pedro new contract through 2033

Chelsea are set to secure the long-term future of striker Joao Pedro with a lucrative new contract, effectively ending significant transfer interest from Arsenal and Barcelona. The 24-year-old Brazilian, who joined the club from Brighton last summer, is expected to sign an extension in the coming days that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033 and include a substantial salary increase.

The move comes as a direct response to approaches from rival clubs. Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, had reportedly indicated a willingness to pay a fee in the region of 86 million pounds for the forward as manager Mikel Arteta sought to bolster his attacking options. Barcelona had also made firm enquiries earlier in the summer. Chelsea's ownership, however, immediately rebuffed all offers, declaring Pedro a non-negotiable part of their squad.

Pedro's new deal rewards a standout debut season in West London. He scored 20 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as the team's undisputed first-choice striker. His performances were a bright spot in a difficult campaign that saw Chelsea finish 10th in the league. The player himself described the season...