Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has revealed the players he identifies with most, citing Robert Lewandowski alongside former Premier League stars Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero. During a conversation on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the 24-year-old explained that his preference for a fluid role on the pitch aligns him with these clinical forwards, noting, “I like freedom” when asked about his tactical approach.
Pedro is coming off a productive debut campaign at Stamford Bridge following his £60 million transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer. Across 53 appearances for the Blues, he recorded 23 goals and nine assists. Despite those numbers, he faced a setback when he was excluded from Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He now looks to build on his club form as Chelsea prepares for their Premier League opener against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Beyond individual performances, Chelsea is currently navigating potential changes to its midfield. The club has identified Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as potential successors should Enzo Fernandez depart. Fernandez remains a target for Manchester City, though a move has yet to materialize. Chelsea had previously set an August 14 deadline for a £120 million bid for the Argentine, but Manchester City did not meet that valuation, leaving the midfielder’s future at Stamford Bridge uncertain.
Both Wharton and Scott, aged 22, are viewed as top-tier prospects within the league. Wharton has established himself as a vital component for Crystal Palace, accumulating 96 appearances with one goal and 12 assists. Similarly, Scott has become a fixture for Bournemouth, having made 91 appearances with a contribution of six goals and seven assists. The report also notes that “I like freedom” – Chelsea ace Joao Pedro names Lewandowski and 2 ex-Premier League forwards as players similar to him. The report also notes that the attacker will certainly be keen to make a stronger impression this season. The report also notes that fernandez has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City and a move could still materialise in the final few days of the transfer window. The report also notes that xabi Alonso’s side have reportedly identified Wharton and Scott as targets if they lose Fernandez this summer.
