Roma 'planning to snap up Chelsea forward Pedro'

Roma are reportedly ready to move for Chelsea forward Pedro when his contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of this season.

The 32-year-old has already confirmed that he will leave the Blues at the end of his current deal, which is due to run out on June 30 as things stand.

Pedro has signalled his intention to play until the end of the season in the likely event that it extends beyond that date due to the coronavirus pandemic, but his future after that is uncertain.

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reports that Roma are interested in snapping up the Spain international, having failed with a loan bid for him in January.

Manager Paulo Fonseca is thought to be a big fan of Pedro and sees him as a good option on a free transfer, particularly given the impact on finances in the wake of coronavirus.

Roma are hopeful that Pedro has a couple of seasons left at the highest level, and the report claims that they have already offered him a contract worth £2.6m per year.

The Serie A outfit are also eager to strike permanent deals for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling and Arsenal winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan, both of whom are currently on loan at the Stadio Olimpico.