Arsenal exploring transfer deal to sign Brazil striker from Premier League rivals

Arsenal are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements after another trophyless season (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal are mulling over a transfer move to sign Brighton forward Joao Pedro in the summer.

Pedro has scored 30 goals in 70 games since joining Brighton from Watford in 2023 and is considered to be among the most promising young attackers in Premier League football.

During his two-year spell on the south coast, Pedro has also proven his ability and willingness to cover several positions, with the 23-year-old comfortable operating as a centre-forward, on both flanks or as a No.10.

But Brighton’s model – selling on previously undervalued young talent for huge profit – has seen the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard all leave for big money in recent years.

There is a growing acceptance within Brighton’s hierarchy that Pedro could be the next player through the exit doors at the Amex Stadium and a number of top clubs are eyeing a possible deal this summer.

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are long-term admirers of Pedro and have explored the possibility of luring the Brazil international to north London in previous seasons.

Pedro finds himself on a shortlist of potential targets for new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, which also includes Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Liam Delap and Nico Williams.

The Gunners have been eyeing a deal for Pedro for some time (Picture: Getty) The Brazil international has scored 30 goals in 70 games for Brighton (Picture: Getty)

The report suggests Arsenal may have to fend off stiff competition from Liverpool and Chelsea if they step up their pursuit of Pedro when the summer transfer window opens for business.

It’s claimed Brighton would demand a transfer fee that ‘far exceeds’ the £30million they shelled out to capture Pedro two years ago.

Pedro, who has been capped three times by Brazil, is tied into a contract with the Seagulls until June 2028.

Arsenal sporting director Berta is preparing for a big summer (Picture: Getty)

Earlier this season, former Brighton head coach Gus Poyet talked up the prospect of Arsenal signing Pedro, claiming the Brazilian was exactly the kind of player that Mikel Arteta was missing.

‘Joao Pedro can play for any Premier League team, including Arsenal,’ Poyet told mybettingsites.co.uk.

‘I met Brighton’s coach, Fabian Hurzeler, in Germany, and we spoke about football for hours like two little kids. He really impressed me, and I’m not surprised Joao is thriving under him.

‘He’s taken on responsibility, understands his role – whether as a No. 9 or playing just behind the striker – and he’s embraced the demands of the Premier League.

‘Arsenal are missing something up front, and he’s a very good player.’

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