Cesc Fabregas aids Chelsea swoop for Barca forward Pedro

BARCELONA striker Pedro is expected to be confirmed as Chelsea’s newest signing on Thursday (August 20), despite long-term speculation that the player would go to Manchester United, after an intervention by old friend Cesc Fabregas. 

Pedro travelled to London for a medical with Jose Mourinho’s side on Wednesday, and it’s reported the club will shortly officially announce a deal worth £21.2 million.

Manchester United had been in negotiations with Barcelona over Pedro, who has not been a regular starter in Luis Enrique’s Catalan side. But Chelsea’s swoop is believed to have come after the frustrated forward chatted with former Barca teammate Cesc Fabregas, who offered reassurances about life at the London club. 

It’s reported manager Jose Mourinho also personally called Pedro to offer assurances that he would play a significant role in the first team.

Chelsea’s stalled start to this season is the motivation for the effort to land the deal over the Colombian, but Mourinho may not yet be finished with additions to his squad, with strong rumours that he will also further pursue Everton defender John Stones.