Joao Pedro’s arrival at Chelsea looks to be a genuinely smart and strategic piece of business — one that aligns perfectly with Enzo Maresca’s tactical vision.

The Brazilian forward brings a profile currently missing from Chelsea’s attacking options. Unlike the more direct and dynamic Nicolas Jackson or Liam Delap — who thrive on stretching defences with runs in behind — Pedro offers something different: a link player who connects midfield to attack and adds structure in the build-up.

Capable of operating as a centre-forward, second striker, or attacking midfielder, Joao Pedro is known for his ability to stitch attacks together. He often drifts toward the left side, drops into midfield spaces, and facilitates progression up the pitch — a crucial quality in Maresca’s system, especially when traditional midfield build-up routes are congested.

While his goal return at Brighton — 0.22 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes — suggests he won’t be a prolific scorer, Chelsea are not signing him to lead the scoring charts. That responsibility will likely fall to Jackson or Delap. Instead, Pedro’s strength lies in his movement towards the ball, his vision in finding advancing runners, and his capacity to pull centre-backs out of position — all of which create space for others.

The comparison with peak Roberto Firmino at Liverpool is an apt one. Like Firmino, Pedro thrives in tight spaces, retains possession well, and delivers incisive passes that unlock defences — all while contributing to the press.

With Chelsea’s wide attackers — including Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Tyrique George, and incoming Jamie Gittens — offering pace and width, and with Marc Cucurella making his characteristic surging runs from deep, Joao Pedro could become the crucial glue that holds the attacking unit together.

Moreover, his presence could reduce the creative burden on Cole Palmer, offering Chelsea more variety in how they approach games against different defensive setups.

For all the attacking talent already at Stamford Bridge, Joao Pedro brings a unique set of qualities that Maresca has clearly prioritised. His signing not only strengthens Chelsea’s depth but also enhances their tactical flexibility — making this move one of the most purposeful of the Blues’ summer window.