According to Globo Esporte, Chelsea striker João Pedro will officially extend his contract until 2034 this Thursday and will switch to the number 9 jersey.
Chelsea have extended his contract, originally set to run until mid-2033, by another year and given him a significant pay rise. Meanwhile, João Pedro will change his number 20 jersey to number 9, a number previously worn by England player Liam Delap last season.
Following strong expressions of interest from Barcelona and Arsenal, negotiations progressed, with both clubs willing to offer over €100 million for the striker. Chelsea then made it clear they would not let him go, considering João Pedro not for sale. Given the player's rising market value, the club subsequently began contract extension negotiations with him and adjusted his salary.
João Pedro was a key player for Chelsea in his first season, scoring 20 goals and providing 6 assists in 50 appearances, and also had an outstanding performance in the Club World Cup. He was in excellent form before the start of the new season, scoring 7 goals and providing 1 assist in 5 preseason friendlies.
João Pedro is also considered a key player in Carlo Ancelotti's preparations for the 2030 World Cup cycle. Although the Italian coach did not include the striker in his last World Cup squad, he reiterated internally that he still sees the 24-year-old as a core player for the upcoming campaign, which will begin in September and October with friendlies against Australia and India.
