The Pedro Rodr guez saga has seen a dramatic twist over the past few hours, with Chelsea FC emerging as his most likely destination despite interest from Manchester United.
Even as Manchester United looked all set to welcome FC Barcelona winger Pedro to Old Trafford, it appears Jos Mourinho and Chelsea FC have swooped for the Spanish international at the eleventh hour and convinced him to move to Stamford Bridge, where he will join friend and former team-mate Cesc F bregas.
According to several reports in the English and Spanish media, including one by BBC Sport, Pedro will fly to London in the coming hours to complete his medical and finalise his move to the Premier League champions. Chelsea FC reportedly agreed a fee of around A?21m with FC Barcelona – believed to be the winger’s release clause.
It comes as a major boost to the Blues and their fans, who have endured a difficult week given the negative mood around the club following the worst start Chelsea FC have made to a league season in 17 years. Pedro is the type of player whose attacking verve and intelligence could genuinely improve the Blues’ play in the final third – something that could only serve to benefit the team.
Chelsea FC fans gleeful after club hijack Pedro deal
Blues fans were understandably over the moon once it became clear that Chelsea FC had indeed successfully snatched Pedro from right under the nose of Ed Woodward and Manchester United, who had reportedly already agreed personal terms with the player.
Whilst the Stamford Bridge faithful rejoiced, Manchester United fans were left scratching their heads after a deal that was thought to be all but done fell through. A suspiciously timed press briefing from the club suggesting that Louis Van Gaal had ended all interest in the player failed to convince some, who deemed it a classic case of ‘sour grapes’.
It seems as though a move to Chelsea FC is now only a matter of time for Pedro, who could complete his move in time to make his d but when the Blues take on West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Sunday, looking to register their first win of the season.
Ignore the face-saving. Chelsea have won this one. #MUFC #CFC #Pedro
a Ian Ladyman (@Ian_Ladyman_DM) August 19, 2015
I’m told Pedro boarded a plane at 1130 local time to fly to London to complete his A?21m move to #CFC
a Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) August 19, 2015
Pedro and Ramos sagas may have embarrassed United but they have still brought in plenty of quality. Need another forward b4 window closes
a Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) August 19, 2015
And of course Man United are going to brief they’ve dropped interest. Chelsea have agreed a fee and Pedro has gone to London. #ComicalAli
a Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) August 19, 2015
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Pedro a great signing for Chelsea. Fast, direct, a goalscorer & the kind of selfless team player Mourinho loves. A?21m decent price too #cfc
a Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) August 19, 2015
Just excited about the Pedro deal because of how it makes the united fans feel. ?Y?
a tayo. (@_tayo__) August 19, 2015
Baba Rahman and now Pedro. Quick response by the club to recent poor performance. Had we been this active in transfer market earlier!
a Vikash Khadka (@VIK4SH) August 19, 2015
INFOGRAPHIC How does @_Pedro17_ compare to #CFC duo @oscar8 and @willianborges88 http://t.co/wZdMBWLjA2 pic.twitter.com/gkOSPgO1RV
a Russell Cane (@RussCane) August 19, 2015
