Chelsea has finalized the acquisition of Brazilian striker Deivid Washington from Santos, for a transfer fee approximately amounting to 20 million euros (£17.2 million).
At the age of 18, Washington has officially inked a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge, which also includes an optional extension for another year.
He marks Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino's ninth addition during this summer's transfer window.
Expressing his excitement, Washington conveyed to the club's official website, "Joining a prestigious team like Chelsea brings me immense joy. Anticipation builds as I look forward to my debut at this illustrious club, where I aim to contribute with numerous goals and assists."
Washington's football journey began at Gremio before he made his move to Santos in 2016.
His remarkable scoring prowess while in Santos' youth ranks propelled him into the first-team setup at the Brazilian club earlier this year.
Demonstrating his versatility in the forward position, he amassed a total of 16 senior appearances for Santos across various competitions, finding the back of the net twice, before making his transition to Stamford Bridge.
He becomes the second player from Santos to link up with Chelsea this summer, following the arrival of 18-year-old winger Angelo just last month.
Caicedo feels prepared for his inaugural starting opportunity.
Pochettino expressed that Moises Caicedo is "prepared" to embark on his first starting appearance for Chelsea following his £100 million transfer from Brighton.
Chelsea is set to face Luton on Friday evening at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Caicedo made his debut during Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to West Ham last Sunday, though his initial outing was marred by conceding a penalty.
Romeo Lavia, who was acquired from Southampton for £58 million, won't be included in the squad for the upcoming clash against the newly-promoted side.
"Moises is ready to start. Lavia, however, is not. After his evaluation, it has been determined that he requires a few weeks to become match-fit and participate with the team," Pochettino stated.
"He is currently in a reconditioning phase, working to catch up with the team and his teammates. For Romeo, we'll have to wait a few weeks before he's ready to join the team."
Chelsea finds themselves without a victory after their initial two Premier League matches – a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in their season opener, followed by the loss to West Ham.
Despite their first-half dominance and numerous chances against David Moyes' squad, Chelsea struggled to convert.
Their difficulties in front of the net have once again attracted attention, as they managed to score only 38 goals in the Premier League last season.
Pochettino's challenges are compounded by the injury sidelining £52 million signing Christopher Nkunku until the year's end due to a knee injury.
Carney Chukwuemeka, who netted a goal against West Ham, is also out for approximately six weeks due to a knee issue.
Chelsea has been linked to various strikers, and Pochettino shared that the club might still bring in another attacking player as part of their significant squad investments.
"While assessing the squad and the ongoing situation, we're also open to the possibility. It's simple to say that we require an offensive player, but we already possess such players who are in recovery," the Argentine remarked.
"We must exercise patience with Armando [Broja]. Sometimes, the final step is the most challenging. He's training well, and we're optimistic about him as well.
"Bringing in a player who isn't fit or needs time to adapt to the Premier League could take just as long as waiting for Broja, Nkunku, or Carney.
"Such a move could disrupt the squad's balance. We're dedicating significant effort to analyze the situation and make the best decision.
"Unfortunate as it is, we may need some immediate assistance. We're striving to identify the right fit.
"We don't want to hinder the development of young talents who could contribute to the team's progress."
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