Pedro a Chelsea player as forward signs from Barcelona

Premier League 4/1 title chances Chelsea have announced the signing of Spain winger Pedro Rodriguez from treble winners Barcelona, after they activated his reported £21.4m release clause.

La Roja half centurion Pedro, 28, joins on a long-term deal after agreeing personal terms, after rivals Manchester United reportedly decided not to sign him.

“I am very happy to be here,” Pedro said. “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.”

.@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

Pedro is not the only attacker to have left Barca for the Premier League this summer, after Ibrahim Afellay and Moha El Ouriachi signed for Stoke City, Gerard Deulofeu rejoined Everton and Adama Traore became an Aston Villa player.

In swapping the Nou Camp for Stamford Bridge, Pedro becomes the Blues’ third senior summer signing, after Asmir Begovic from the Trotters and Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco.

Barca, meanwhile, said: “The club wishes to publicly express its gratitude to Pedro Rodriguez for his professionalism and dedication while with the club, as well as to wish him all the best in the future.”

Pedro joins after playing a part in Barca’s pre-season, as well as the UEFA and Spanish Super Cups. He netted a crucial late winner against Sevilla in the former, but could not prevent his former team from losing 5-1 on aggregate to Athletic Bilbao in the latter.

The Canary Islands-born forward, who had spent his whole senior career with the Catalan giants after coming through their La Masia academy, has scored against Premier League opposition before – Man Utd, who he netted once against in two appearances.

However, Pedro has not fared quite as well against the other English giants in competitive competitions, having failed to strike against Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal, although he did manage three assists in those six games.

In joining Chelsea, Pedro links up with a number of other Spain internationals already at the club, including Cesc Fabregas, Cesar Azpilicueta and Diego Costa.