Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro.
The 22-year-old stepped up to the top flight from Championship outfit Watford during the summer transfer window of 2023, sparing himself a tiresome term in the second tier.
Pedro made a big impression on the South Coast during his first campaign, becoming the first-ever goalscorer for Brighton in European competition after finding the net in the Europa League group stage.
Focusing on domestic matters, the Brazilian had a solid return of nine goals and three assists from 31 Premier League appearances, despite only starting 19 matches.
Having made the net ripple on 20 occasions in 40 matches across all competitions for the Seagulls, Pedro enjoyed a productive debut season at Brighton.
Arsenal keen on Pedro as Nketiah replacement?
The report claims that Arsenal are considering a move for the 22-year-old, who made his debut for Brazil’s senior side during the last campaign.
It is understood that the Gunners believe that Pedro could be a suitable replacement for Nketiah, who is edging closer to a switch to Marseille.
The Arsenal academy graduate and Les Olympiens have agreed on personal terms, meaning that it is now down to the clubs to shake hands on a suitable transfer fee.
It has been reported recently that the Gunners have rejected a £23m bid from Marseille for Nketiah, with the striker still a part of Mikel Arteta‘s pre-season squad in the United States.
Brighton ‘looking’ for significant profit on Pedro
With plenty of years left on his contract at Brighton, it is highly unlikely that Pedro would be a budget acquisition for Arsenal this summer.
It is believed that the Seagulls are looking to pocket in the region of £50m from the sale of the Brazilian, but it remains to be seen whether the Gunners value the player in that bracket.
Attacking targets such as Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen have fallen by the wayside so far this summer, meaning that Arteta’s side could hone in on the capture of Pedro.
With Nketiah keen on a move to Marseille in order to secure regular game time, Arsenal will need to recruit at least one player in attacking areas to maintain their squad depth.
