Chelsea have struck a deal worth up to £60 million to sign Brighton forward Joao Pedro, who is set to join Enzo Maresca’s squad on a seven-year contract.

The 23-year-old Brazil international will fly from his homeland to the United States to complete his medical and link up with Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Pedro is eligible to play in the tournament, with clubs permitted to register new signings between June 27 and July 3, meaning he could debut in Friday’s quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.

Chelsea view Pedro as a versatile attacking option capable of leading the line as a No. 9 or operating across the front three.

His arrival follows strong competition from Newcastle, whose £50 million bid was rejected last week. However, Pedro made it clear he only wished to join the London club.

Brighton initially had no plans to sell Pedro, who scored prolifically last season and finished as the Europa League’s top scorer in the group stage, netting a decisive late winner against Marseille.

But the player’s ambition to play Champions League football, plus recent tensions, including a training-ground altercation with Jan Paul van Hecke, contributed to the timing of the move.

While Pedro is not seen as disruptive, Brighton were willing to sanction his exit for the right price, maintaining their reputation for smart trading.

The Seagulls will bank a sizeable profit on the striker they signed from Watford for £35 million in 2023. Watford, meanwhile, are due 20% of the profit from this deal.

Brighton retain several forward options including Georginio Rutter, Danny Welbeck, Evan Ferguson, and promising youngster Charalampos Kostoulas.

Chelsea are also close to securing Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens in a separate €65 million (£55.5 million) deal. Gittens, 20, is set to sign a seven-year contract but is ineligible for the Club World Cup after featuring for Dortmund in the competition’s earlier rounds.

The Blues’ aggressive moves underline the club’s intent to refresh their attack under Maresca as they chase domestic and global honours.