EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal take interest in Joao Pedro as Eddie Nketiah exit nears

Steve Kay

Updated: 2 Aug 2024 11:59 BST
3 min read

Arsenal are showing interest in Brighton forward Joao Pedro, FootballTransfers understands.

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This comes amid dwindling alternative targets such as Benjamin Sesko, Nico Williams and Eberechi Eze, who now either seem out of reach for the Premier League giants or have decided to stay at their respective clubs.

Sources indicate that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar have had discussions about the possibility of signing Pedro.

Eddie Nketiah is on the verge of leaving the Emirates for French club Olympique Marseille after a long stint at Arsenal, having joined the club at 15.

The 25-year-old has agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 side and talks over a fee are ongoing, though there remains a gulf in valuation.

Arsenal will only sanction an exit at the right price as they feel they are not under pressure to sell despite Nketiah's desire for regular first-team action.

© IMAGO - Eddie Nketiah is in talks with Olympique Marseille

Arsenal identify Pedro

With the Gunners' deal to sign Mikel Merino all but done, conversations between Arteta and Edu are now focused on potential replacements for Nketiah, with Joao Pedro being one.

The 22-year-old fits the criteria Arsenal are looking for: young, high potential and a good fit in terms of character. He is expected to integrate well into the squad, joining compatriots Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli.

However, whether Brighton will be willing to let their star forward leave this late in the transfer window remains uncertain. Chairman Tony Bloom is likely to demand a substantial fee, while Arsenal aim to avoid paying extortionate amounts.

Sources suggest that the Seagulls would be prepared to sell at £50m (around €59m) for the exciting Premier League prospect, aiming to make a significant profit on the Brazilian.

STATS

João Pedro

F, M, AM (C)

Brighton

João Pedro

F, M, AM (C)

Brighton

40

Games
20

Goals
3

Assists

After sealing a €34.2 million transfer from Watford to Brighton last summer, Pedro netted a whopping 20 goals across all competitions while also recording three assists.

Though primarily a striker, he is versatile enough to also feature in a more withdrawn role and on the wing. It is well known that versatility is a trait Arteta is looking for in his recruits.

Pedro's addition would certainly bolster Arsenal's attacking options and help them in their quest to end Manchester City and Liverpool's dominance in the Premier League.