Chelsea have completed the signing of Barcelona forward Pedro in a deal believed to be worth £21m.
The Premier League champions stepped in to sign the Spain international after Manchester United withdrew their interest.
.@ChelseaFC is delighted to announce the signing of @_Pedro17_ from Barcelona: http://t.co/WChMuqVyCf pic.twitter.com/c3u9XdmwBI
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 20, 2015
Chelsea announced the deal on their website, but gave no information regarding the transfer or the length of the contract signed by the 28-year-old.
Pedro said: “I am very happy to be here. I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles.
“Thanks to the club and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to put the blue shirt on.”
Welcome to Chelsea, @_Pedro17_! #CFC pic.twitter.com/UGc6yYBQsx
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 20, 2015
Pedro had been a target for United throughout the summer, with the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward flying to Catalonia on Monday in an attempt to seal a deal for the player.
But things changed rapidly on Wednesday as it emerged that Louis van Gaal had withdrawn his interest while Chelsea were moving to steal a march on their rivals.
Jose Mourinho has acted quickly and decisively in the transfer market after Chelsea endured their worst start to a season in 17 years.
Shortly after their 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, Chelsea signed left-back Baba Rahman from Augsburg for £21m, and Pedro’s arrival gives Mourinho’s side fresh attacking intent.
The Blues also hope to conclude the signing of Everton defender John Stones before the transfer window shuts on September 1.