Pedro: Chelsea sign Spanish winger from Barcelona

Story highlights

Chelsea completes the signing of Spain international Pedro from Barcelona

Pedro was reportedly a target for Manchester United

Manchester City signs Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi

CNN  — 

Chelsea’s early season performances may have left a lot to be desired on the pitch but they are still trumping opponents off it, this time beating Manchester United to the signing of Spanish winger Pedro from European champions Barcelona.

Long linked with a move to United, who have won their opening two league games, the 28-year-old Pedro opted to join the English champions, who have had a stuttering start to the season in picking up one point so far.

The Spain international has joined for a transfer fee of $33.5 million and arrives off the back of a treble-winning season with the Catalan giants.

A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Pedro made his senior debut in 2008 and scored 99 goals in 319 games.

He holds the impressive record of being the only player to ever score a goal in six different club competitions during a single season.

Key to Pedro’s decision to choose Chelsea was reportedly his close friendship with compatriot and former Barca star Cesc Fabregas. Their respective partners – Carolina Martin and Daniella Semaan – are also said to be close.

“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,” Pedro said in a statement on Chelsea’s website.

“Thanks to the club and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to put the blue shirt on.”

The diminutive winger has won a long list of honors, including five La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, three Copa del Reys, four Spanish Super Cups, three European Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.

He was also part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad in 2010 and its victorious European Championship campaign in 2012, scoring 16 goals in 51 games for his country.

Arguably a concern for Pedro could be the ever-growing list of attacking players who have failed to make their mark at Stamford Bridge.

The likes of Mo Salah, Andre Schurrle, Marco van Ginkel, Kevin de Bruyne, Juan Cuadrado, Gael Kakuta, Christian Atsu and Marko Marin have all joined the club for high prices or with high expectations and either been sold or loaned out without seeing much playing time.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s title rival Manchester City confirmed the signing of Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi – another player linked with a move to United over the summer – from Spanish club Valencia for $50 million on Thursday.

“I am here to give my best, to fight game by game and push City to the highest peaks for as long as possible, and I wish we will be able to win several cups and titles,” the 27-year-old former Porto player told the club’s website after agreeing a five-year contract.

“That’s the most important. To be here inside a club that looks so wonderful from the outside is a dream.”

City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has coached Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga in Spain’s top division, highlighted the experience Otamendi would bring. He has won 25 caps for his country and helped Argentina reach the Copa America final in July, playing alongside new City teammate Martin Demichelis in the center of defense.

“Nicolas Otamendi was arguably the best defender in La Liga last season and so naturally I’m delighted to have added a player of his quality,” said the Chilean, whose team crushed Chelsea 3-0 on Sunday.

“He is an established international for one of the best nations in world football and I have no doubt that he has the right mentality to fit into a squad where he will find many familiar faces, including Eliaquim (Mangala) and Fernando who he played alongside in Portugal.

“As a footballer, Nicolas has all of the qualities to be a success in the Premier League – he’s strong, he’s excellent in the tackle and he’s very good technically.

“I am sure he will become another Argentine player our fans will enjoy watching.”

Read: Was Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat ‘fake’?

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