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Brazilian striker Joao Pedro will extend his Chelsea contract to 2034, the club have confirmed. The 24-year-old joined the London club from Brighton in the summer for an initial £55m fee, with add-ons bringing the total to £60m. Joao Pedro, who scored 20 goals in his debut season, including three during the club's Club World Cup triumph, expressed delight at committing his long-term future to the London giants.

"I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea," he remarked. "It's a big club with a proud history of success and ambitious plans for the future. Everyone is excited about the new season, knowing we have a strong team and an ambitious coach." Originally contracted until 2033, Chelsea's official announcement of the deal ran until 2032, but an option for a further year was included.

Therefore, Joao Pedro's new contract extends his stay at Chelsea to 2034. The move is aimed at both protecting Chelsea's investment and rewarding Joao Pedro's impressive form. The club employs a strict wage structure but is incentivising strong performances, as evidenced by moves for Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson. Joao Pedro became the first Chelsea striker since Diego Costa to net 20 goals in a season without taking penalties, and has already scored three times in pre-season matches.

He is expected to start Chelsea's upcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham, with Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha providing cover. Joao Pedro now wears the number nine shirt, previously held by Liam Delap, who is available for £50m and attracting interest from Nottingham Forest and Leeds United. Chelsea plan to offer new contracts to key players post-transfer window, with Levi Colwill and Estevao Willian likely candidates.