Arsenal are eyeing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro as a potential replacement for Eddie Nketiah, according to Football Transfers. This development comes after Arsenal confirmed Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer to Fulham and now face the prospect of losing another academy graduate in Nketiah.
Nketiah, 25, has reached an agreement with Marseille for a transfer. However, Arsenal have rejected Marseille’s recent £23 million offer. Despite this, Marseille are expected to submit a new bid for the English forward.
In response, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar are considering Pedro as a replacement. Brighton, however, will likely demand around £50 million for the Brazilian.
This potential move is somewhat unexpected. Arsenal have been linked with several high-profile strikers in recent months, including Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Yet, it seems the club has different plans as they prepare for the new Premier League season.
Joao Pedro, who transferred from Watford to Brighton last summer, had an impressive debut season with 20 goals across all competitions. Primarily playing as a forward, he also has the versatility to operate from the left wing.
His dribbling skills, ability to win duels, and goal-scoring knack have garnered attention. While his goal conversion rate isn’t the best in the Premier League, Arsenal believe the 22-year-old has the potential to become an elite striker in the coming seasons.
Despite this potential, it would still be surprising if Arsenal proceed with an official bid for Pedro.
The Brazilian international, though talented, is not yet a complete striker and might not significantly boost Arsenal’s chances of securing the Premier League title next season.
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