LONDON, AP:

While Chelsea await a first win on the field this season, the Premier League champions scored a satisfying victory in the transfer market on Thursday by beating Manchester United to the signing of Pedro Rodriguez from Barcelona.

A fee worth €30 million ($33 million) was agreed to bring the 28-year-old forward to Chelsea, with €3 million dependent on his performances, Barcelona said.

The high-profile recruitment of a player who has won every major honour shifts the narrative at Chelsea following an unruly start to the season, particularly as it left United reassessing their transfer targets.

Chelsea are enduring their worst start to a season for 17 years, going back before Roman Abramovich transformed the club's fortunes with the injection of cash following his 2003 takeover.

Chelsea lost the Community Shield to Arsenal and followed this by collecting one point from their opening two league games while Jose Mourinho became embroiled in a public row with his medical staff.

Pedro's arrival bolsters Mourinho's attacking options, with Chelsea's statement on Thursday highlighting the Spaniard's versatility by being able to play as a winger or centre forward.

Abramovich could look to recoup some transfer funds before the window closes on September 1.

Pedro won 20 trophies with Barcelona, where he has spent his entire professional career until now. He is also a World Cup and European Championship winner with Spain.

"I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles," said Pedro, who trained with his new teammates on Thursday ahead of tomorrow's match at West Bromwich Albion.