Jacque Talbot
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Arne Slot, Liverpool
© IMAGO
Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal are hoping to secure the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro, according to reports.
The attacker has been in fine form this season, prompting interest from some of the elite clubs in the division. The 23-year-old has seven goal contributions in seven Premier League matches.
Now CaughtOffside have reported that "Liverpool have prioritised the signing of Joao Pedro and could start talks with Brighton as early as January."
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The outlet goes on to state that the Reds view Pedro as someone who could develop well under head coach Arne Slot and could even turn into a key player if another Liverpool attacker leaves.
Arsenal are interested too, it has been suggested. The Gunners are planning to make an offer of around €55-65 million for the Brighton man, it is thought. Premier League champions Manchester City are enduring a torrid season and are in the hunt for a player who can bolster their forward line.
The Seagulls have set a price tag of around €70 million for Pedro, who is "open to leaving Brighton and joining a club where he can play in the Champions League."
Which clubs are tracking Pedro?
Earlier this month, a report from TBR Football said that Brighton would demand close to €120m for Pedro and they have no plans to let him leave in the near future.
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The Brazilian missed most of October through injury, but he has returned to action and form in the last month. It's thought Newcastle United are long-term admirers, indeed they tried and failed to land him from Watford before Brighton, and the North East giants remain keen on him.
TBR Football reveal Liverpool have watched him closely and is held in high regard by Reds chief Richard Hughes. Chelsea have been impressed with Pedro’s progress at Brighton, so have Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, who are also admirers of Pedro.