Chelsea are on the verge of tying down striker Joao Pedro to a contract extension that would keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2034, with sources close to the club confirming the deal is all but done.

Those within the club describe the situation as straightforward, while people close to the 24-year-old Brazil international say a full agreement is already in place on a deal running until 2032, with Chelsea holding an option to extend it by a further two years.

A standout debut season

The confidence Chelsea have placed in Joao Pedro is rooted in a remarkable first campaign at the club. He became the first Chelsea striker since Diego Costa to reach 20 league goals in a season without a single penalty — an achievement that underlined his clinical ability in front of goal.

He also contributed three goals during Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup-winning run last summer and has carried that form into pre-season, netting eight goals across seven matches ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Number nine and a place in Chelsea's plans

His impact has been recognised internally, with Chelsea handing Joao Pedro the coveted number nine shirt. That move required Liam Delap to give up the jersey, and Delap is now available for transfer at around £50 million, with Nottingham Forest and Leeds United among those reported to be tracking him.

Joao Pedro arrived from Brighton last summer in a deal worth an initial £55 million, plus £5 million in add-ons. Chelsea view him as one of the standout acquisitions of that transfer window.

Looking ahead to the new season

The striker is expected to lead the line when Chelsea face Fulham in their Premier League opener on Monday. New arrivals Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha are anticipated to provide backup across the campaign.

Chelsea also plan to reward several other key figures with new contracts once the transfer window shuts. Levi Colwill and Estevao Willian are among the names understood to be under consideration for extensions.