Joao Pedro scored twice on his full Chelsea debut to help the Blues to a 2-0 win over Fluminense and book their place in the FIAF Club World Cup final.
The Brazilian had made his debut for the London side against Palmeiras in the quarter-finals but was handed his first start by Enzo Maresca on Tuesday night, and put his new side ahead in the first half with a fine strike from the edge of the box.
Pedro, who signed from Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this month, then doubled his and Chelsea’s tally in the second half with another emphatic finish, before being replaced by Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea have already been busy in the transfer market so far, with Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr all having also arrived at the club.
Now, though, it appears that one of Chelseas attackers is edging closer to a move away from Stamford Bridge.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal are set for more talks as they attempt to sign winger Noni Madueke.
Madueke is a target for Arsenal (Photo: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy)
The Englishman, who made a substitute appearance against Fluminense on Tuesday, has emerged as a target for the Gunners in recent weeks as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.
Madueke, 23, joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 and has since scored 20 goals in 92 games for the West London side.
He featured 46 times for the Blues last season, and his performances have attracted interest from Arsenal.
Romano claims that, while the two clubs’ respective valuations of the player are currently some way apart, they are set for further talks to discuss a possible deal.
Madueke has already agreed personal terms on a five-year-deal with Arsenal, Romano claims, despite having five years remaining on his current contract with Chelsea.