Arsenal are reportedly showing an interest in Brighton and Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro with the seagulls Brighton a prepared to part ways with their star, but only for a hefty price tag of £70million.
Since his transfer from Watford in 2023, Pedro has been a revelation at Brighton, netting an impressive 30 goals in 70 appearances across all competitions.
The 23 year old Brazilian forward was one of the standout performers last season, scoring ten Premier League goals and sharing the top scorer title at Brighton with Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck. His stellar performances have not gone unnoticed, with Arsenal among the clubs said to be showing an interest.
The Gunners are on the hunt for attacking additions this summer, and co-chairman Josh Kroenke has pledged to support Mikel Arteta in the upcoming transfer window. “We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season,” he said.
“We’re delighted we have our sporting director, Andrea [Berta], who will play an important role in this. He is part of a unified and strong team, supported by the board, who are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it. The right way. The Arsenal way.”
Arsenal have shown a strong interest in both Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Talks over the club about the latter are reported to be underway, but Pedro could potentially be seen as an alternative option.
As per a report from the Sun, Brighton are willing to negotiate for Pedro, but they won’t consider anything less than £70million. With Pedro’s contract running until 2028, Brighton are in no rush to sell.
As per the report, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Aston Villa are keeping tabs on the striker. Pedro found himself embroiled in controversy last term following a falling-out with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, which saw him axed by boss Fabian Hurzeler.
“With Joao, we had a small issue in training, a type which isn’t uncommon from time to time at all football clubs,” stated Hurzeler before Brighton’s season finale. “We dealt with it internally and the matter is closed.
“Joao is an incredible football player, he is a match-winner for us and he is a great player and that’s why we invested in him. But there are principles, there are values that are non-negotiable that count for everyone.
“I don’t make any compromises. I am sure that Joao is still a young player, there is still a lot of potential where he will grow. I am sure that he will learn from this and come back stronger next season.
“I am really looking forward to seeing him renewed and reinvigorated at his highest peak into our team. That is all I would say to this. The only thing is how we dealt with it as a football club, how we dealt with it as a team.”
Arsenal have been linked with signing a new striker this summer, with Sporting CP forward and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko having previously been strongly linked.
