Chelsea are preparing to reward Joao Pedro for an impressive first season at Stamford Bridge with a new long-term contract that could keep the Brazilian striker at the club well into the next decade.
The 24-year-old is expected to sign terms running until 2032, with Chelsea also holding an option to extend the agreement by another two years. The deal is likely to be completed before the new Premier League campaign begins.
Joao Pedro arrived from Brighton last summer for an initial £55 million, with a further £5 million available in add-ons, and has quickly established himself as one of Chelsea’s most important attacking players.
He scored 20 non-penalty goals last season, becoming the first Chelsea striker since Diego Costa to reach that mark in a single campaign without relying on spot-kicks. His contribution also extended to the Club World Cup, where he scored three goals during Chelsea’s successful run to the trophy.
The forward has maintained that form throughout the summer, finding the net eight times in seven pre-season appearances.
Joao Pedro is now expected to lead the attack when Chelsea open their Premier League season away to Fulham on Monday. Summer arrivals Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha are set to provide additional options in the centre-forward position.
His rapid rise in importance has also resulted in a shirt-number change. Chelsea have given Joao Pedro the number nine jersey, previously worn by Liam Delap.
Delap could leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes, with Chelsea prepared to consider offers of around £50 million. Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are among the clubs showing interest in the striker.
Chelsea are also planning further contract discussions with other key members of the squad once the summer transfer window has ended. Defender Levi Colwill and Brazilian attacker Estevao Willian are among the players expected to be considered for improved or extended deals as the club looks to secure the core of its squad for the long term.