According to sources, Chelsea is close to finalizing a double deal for Jamie Gittens, a winger for Borussia Dortmund, and Joao Pedro, a forward for Brighton.
Due to the addition of Liam Delap, Estevao, Dario Essugo, Kendry Paez, and Mamadou Sarr this summer, the Blues, who are now on Club World Cup duty, have already been active in the transfer market.
However, Chelsea is not finished yet; two more players are expected to join in the days ahead after the Blues and Brighton reached an agreement for Pedro that is “worth up to £60m.”
According to Sky Sports chief news correspondent Kaveh Solhekol, Pedro “will fly from Brazil to the USA to have a medical and join Enzo Maresca’s side at the Club World Cup” after already agreeing terms to sign with Chelsea .
Pedro is eligible to play for the Blues in the Club World Cup, and he might make his debut on Friday in Philadelphia against Palmeiras in the quarterfinals .
Pedro “only wanted to play for Chelsea,” even though other Premier League teams, notably Newcastle, made a £50 million bid last week, and Brighton “had a sell-on clause in the deal” for the Brazilian .
Solhekol also disclosed that Chelsea is close to signing winger Gittens from Borussia Dortmund after he completes his medical. However, even though the Englishman has already participated in the Club World Cup this summer, he will not be eligible to play for Enzo Maresca’s team.
Additionally, Chelsea is close to acquiring Jamie Gittens from Dortmund, Solhekol stated. Gittens will finish his medical and then sign a seven-year contract with Chelsea. It is expected to cost €65 million (£55.5 million) to sign the 20-year-old .
“After playing in Borussia Dortmund’s opening group match against Fluminense, Gittens will not be permitted to play for Chelsea at the Club World Cup” .
After their performances at the Club World Cup, former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes the Blues and Premier League rivals Manchester City may “tail off with fatigue” at the end of the season.
It’s a two-edged sword, Wright-Phillips said in an interview with Prime Casino: “Chelsea and Manchester City might not be fresher, exactly, but they’ll be sharper and have more match fitness because they’ll have played competitive football at a higher tempo... Going into the season, that might have a benefit, but then with a draining, long Premier League season alongside the Champions League and the cup competitions, they could definitely tail off with fatigue. There will be a lot of rest days needed and given to players, I imagine. I hope they can protect players’ health and welfare” .
Adding to all that, there’s a sense inside the club that this is the most coherent summer window they’ve had in years. Liam Delap’s arrival suggested forward depth was a priority. Estevao, Essugo, Páez, and Sarr hinted at long-term planning. Now, Pedro and Gittens feel like the final pieces, rounding out a window that until now has looked scattergun.
Pedro flying to the U.S. to complete his medical is one of those transfer moments you spot and think: this is real, this is happening. Sky Sports, OneFootball and Football Insider all confirm: a £60 million fee, a medical ahead of the quarter-finals, and inclusion in Maresca’s tournament squad . That’s bold. There’s no longer a waiting period after the window opens this is immediate.
His versatility as a forward, he can play through the middle or out wide is a big draw, especially given Newcastle reportedly tested the water with a rival bid . That he “only wanted to play for Chelsea” speaks to the strength of the club’s recruitment narrative right now . That kind of commitment isn’t just spin it’s weight behind the deal.
Then there’s Gittens. The English winger might not be match-ready for tournament action, but the long-term vision is clear. A seven‑year deal for someone who’s been tested in Germany feels like a concrete, strategic investment . It’s not a stop-gap; it’s a project. That he’ll miss the Club World Cup isn’t ideal for immediate needs, but the club seems to accept that short-term sacrifice to service the longer-term plan.
Add to this the voices like Wright‑Phillips, who know full well the toll these tournaments take: “double-edged sword,” “fatigue,” “rest days required” . That’s not doom‑mongering it’s grounded. The bigger question is whether Maresca and the club will juggle that sharpness from tournament play with the risk of burnout.
And that’s where this window starts to feel different. There’s context behind every move. Delap addresses forward depth; Essugo, Páez and Sarr shore up midfield; Pedro provides versatile attack; Gittens injects youthful flair. It’s cohesive.
There are still questions: Can Pedro slot in without disrupting the forward line? Will Gittens adapt after missing the tournament? Can the squad handle the intensity of a Club World Cup campaign without tailing off later?
What feels notable is the tone behind the moves. No flash, no chaos. Just methodical additions that layer the squad. That kind of structure has been missing around the Bridge for years.
The final piece: what does this mean for squad hierarchy? Players like Palmer and Jackson have their chances competition breeds energy. If Pedro hits the ground running and Gittens shows quality in training, suddenly the depth chart changes. When Maresca spoke about giving youth moments? These signings prove it isn’t lip service.
So yes, the double deal looks set to go through. Pedro in Philadelphia, Gittens upon return. Combined fee around £115 million. Squad pumped. Competition firing. And a Club World Cup run-in that could sharpen or strain.
If Maresca can balance that load, manage minutes wisely, and keep the group fresh, this summer might end up delivering more than just signings, it could deliver momentum. And after a few chaotic windows, that would feel very, very good for everyone involved.