Joao Pedro commits future to Chelsea
Chelsea have secured the long-term future of one of their key players, with Joao Pedro signing a contract extension until June 2034. The 24-year-old Brazilian cited his relationship with the squad and manager Xabi Alonso's ambition as reasons for committing his future to Stamford Bridge, as reported by Sports Mole.
Pedro was named Chelsea's Player of the Season for 2025-26 after scoring 23 goals and providing nine assists in 53 appearances, including 15 Premier League goals. According to Sports Mole, his new deal is understood to bring his wages to around £200,000 per week, up from £125,000, matching the level earned by Wesley Fofana and Reece James.
The extension makes Levi Colwill the next priority in Chelsea's internal planning for contract renewals, with both Colwill and Fofana in the 2029 expiry group.
Badiashile departs on loan
Chelsea confirmed that defender Benoit Badiashile has joined Napoli on loan. The move is seen as a way to generate accounting space and provide the 25-year-old with regular first-team football after a peripheral year, according to Sports Mole.
Jackson's future enters decisive phase
Nicolas Jackson's Chelsea career appears to be nearing its end, with both Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid pushing to sign the Senegal international before the transfer window closes. Chelsea are willing to sanction his departure but only on a permanent transfer, not a loan, according to Yardbarker.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that the coming days will be crucial for Jackson, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge. Aston Villa are in daily contact with the parties involved, while Atletico Madrid remain interested but had previously preferred a loan arrangement.
Sky Sports reported that Chelsea value Jackson at around £65 million. A sale at that price would be useful business for Chelsea as Xabi Alonso reshapes his attack, according to Yardbarker.
Aston Villa may hold an advantage in the race, particularly if Ollie Watkins completes a reported move to Al-Hilal. Jackson previously worked with Villa manager Unai Emery at Villarreal, which could make the move a natural fit.
Jackson has been praised for his pace and movement, but consistency has been an issue, according to Yardbarker. A move to Villa could give him the regular responsibility he needs.
Other transfer developments
Sports Mole reports that Jamie Gittens and Marc Guiu are interesting two Serie A giants, though no specific clubs were named. Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap are considered surplus to requirements at Chelsea and are potential departures.
Chelsea have already brought in Morgan Rogers and Geovany Quenda this window. Pedro Neto's exit could trigger a move for Juventus' Francisco Conceicao, with a £34.3 million replacement mentioned in the headline of Sports Mole's live blog.
Perspectives
Chelsea — The club is focused on securing key players' futures (Joao Pedro) while offloading surplus talent for permanent fees to reshape the squad under Xabi Alonso.
Aston Villa — The club is actively pursuing Jackson, seeing him as a replacement for Ollie Watkins, and holds an advantage due to his prior relationship with Unai Emery.
Atletico Madrid — The club is interested in Jackson but has preferred a loan, which may not align with Chelsea's insistence on a permanent sale.