Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson futures in doubt as Chelsea close in on Joao Pedro ahead of Club World Cup quarter-final – Paper Round

But the move will raise further questions about the future of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.

“Brighton have agreed a fee worth £55m plus £5m in add-ons and have granted Pedro permission to fly from Brazil to the United States to complete the move.

“That would allow Pedro to be registered by FIFA’s special Club World Cup transfer deadline on July 3 to allow him to play in the quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday.

“Brazil star Pedro, 23, is set to sign a seven-year contract after Chelsea beat off competition from Newcastle who had a £50m-plus offer turned down.

“It is a major coup for Chelsea but will immediately raise question marks over Nicolas Jackson’s future, while Christopher Nkunku will be allowed to leave with Manchester United interested.”

Arsenal have “stepped up their interest” in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, as their search for a striker continues.

It has been well documented that The Gunners have been pursuing Sporting CF’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko this summer – but “club bosses are growing increasingly frustrated” with a lack of progress.

“The report claims Ekitike is a ‘serious’ option at the Emirates and the 23-year-old Frenchman will come to the fore should the Gunners give up hope of landing either Gyokeres or Sesko.

“As has been the case with both Gyokeres and Sesko, though, Ekitike’s asking price could prove problematic as Eintracht are said to be demanding an eye-watering fee of €100m (£85m) from potential suitors.”

Arsenal are moving in on a separate summer signing – but it is not a striker.

A report in the Mail suggests Mikel Arteta’s side are closing in on Valencia and Spain U23 defender Cristhian Mosquera in a deal worth over £17m.

“The Gunners are eyeing the 21-year-old centre back as a suitable cover for first-choice options William Saliba and Gabriel.

“Arsenal are preparing a new proposal for Mosquera after Valencia rejected their opening £12million bid, according to Fabrizio Romano.

“The north London club hope to finalise the deal for a fee exceeding £17m.”

Manchester City striker James McAtee could potentially replace James Gittens at Borussia Dortmund, claims The Guardian.

Chelsea are said to be finalising a move for Gittens, which could pave the way for McAtee to complete a move to Germany, with Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart also interested.

“Another German club, Borussia Dortmund, have him on their list of potential recruits to replace Jamie Gittens, who is poised to sign for Chelsea, while Bayer Leverkusen have previously assessed the Salford-born forward.

“Any deal to buy McAtee would start at about £25m and include a buy-back clause for City. As he has entered the last year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, a loan deal is not an option.