Chelsea go transfer crazy as John Stones is lined up to join Pedro and Baba Rahman

CHELSEA kicked off a frantic late spending spree yesterday by wrapping up a £21.1m deal for Barcelona star Pedro.

The Spain winger turned his back on a move to Manchester United and will sign a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

But Chelsea's spending will not stop there with the champions lining up a fourth bid for Everton defender John Stones.

Jose Mourinho has been demanding a transfer splurge for weeks - and owner Roman Abramovich has now decided to act.

Chelsea have already signed Augsburg left back Baba Rahman in a deal worth £21.7m and fear Stones could cost £40m.

But Mourinho insists reinforcements are needed after their poor start to the season, and he has won the argument.

  NEW BLUE: Pedro is set to join Chelsea

 

Pedro had looked set to join United after chief executive Ed Woodward flew to Spain to get the deal done.

But Chelsea first came in for him at the start of the summer and had always insisted they would meet his buy-out clause.

Pedro actually agreed terms with both clubs but ended up doubting how serious United were to sign him.

In the end Chelsea's offer of £19.7m plus £1.4m in add-ons was higher than United's bid of just £17.6m up front.

But it is understood Pedro has always favoured a move to Chelsea, where he can link up with Cesc Fabregas.

His former Barca team-mate is also believed to have sounded out Pedro over the move as late as last week.

The 28-year-old, who is a three-time Champions League winner, is already in London and could be unveiled by the end of the week.
He has been earmarked to play on the right of Chelsea's front three, allowing Willian to replace Oscar in the No 10 role.

Pedro's arrival is likely to force out Juan Cuadrado, who has been offered to at least two different clubs this summer.

Mourinho is also weighing up whether to start Rahman at left-back against West Brom on Sunday.
That would allow Cesar Azpilicueta to move to right-back, where Branislav Ivanovic has endured a nightmare start to the season.

Chelsea have picked up just one point from their opening two matches and haven't won for four years at the Hawthorns.