Arsenal Plotting Summer Move for Joao Pedro Amid Attacking Reinforcements
Arsenal are leading the charge to sign Brighton wonderkid Joao Pedro, as Mikel Arteta plans for an exciting shake-up in his squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 22-year-old Brazilian forward has caught the attention of top Premier League clubs. with his dynamic performances and increasing goal output in his first season at the Amex Stadium.
It has been claimed Arsenal have been monitoring Joao Pedro for months, with Arteta impressed by the youngster’s ability to play in multiple positions and composure in the final third. With Gabriel Jesus having another injury-disrupted season, and Eddie Nketiah’s future in doubt, the Gunners are keen to add a player who can provide quality and cover.
Brighton’s Joao Pedro, who joined from Watford in a reported club-record £30 million move last summer, has already impressed in the Premier League. His performances under Roberto De Zerbi have shown exactly what he can do in terms of linking play, driving forward with the ball and being deadly in front of goal—everything Arteta values. Arsenal’s pursuit of the Brazilian has also heated up as they look to add attacking reinforcements to challenge on all fronts next season.
Brighton, though, are likely to command a substantial fee. The club are gaining a reputation for holding out top dollar for the best players, as evidenced by Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister leaving for big fees. With Pedro contracted until 2028, Arsenal would have to make an offer in excess of £55m just to open talks.
Joao Pedro’s Rise and Why Arsenal See Him as the Perfect Fit
It’s been an impressive development for Joao Pedro since the move to England. He had worked his way up at Watford as a teenager and after a period of acclimatization to English football, gradually emerged as one of the Championship’s most promising young forwards. At Brighton, he continued developing and demonstrated maturity and tactical understanding well beyond his years.
Pedro has scored 14 goals and 4 assists across all competitions this season, with impressive showings against top-six sides in particular. He has the ability to play as a central striker, second forward, or even in wide positions – an extremely versatile option that suits Arteta’s fluid attacking style to the tee. He can be especially dangerous in the box, where he’s able to lay off one touches and make savvy runs behind the defense.
The Arsenal technical staff feel that Pedro would not only provide competition but would also be a good complement to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. A playing style that is dynamic, and front line that thrives on movement and interchanging places, Pedro’s style make him an exciting prospect. His Brazilian trickery and otherworldly tally put him one up on other potential targets in Arsenal’s site.
While other clubs, like Aston Villa and Tottenham have shown tentative interest, but Arsenal lead the race.
Author’s Opinion
From a neutral standpoint, Arsenal demonstrate both bravery and good sense in pursuing Joao Pedro. Arsenal have been reluctant in the past to splash big cash on unproven top-flight forwards, but Premier League experience and age means Pedro is more than just a risk. His technical attributes are perfect for Arsenal’s system, and with right guidance he could be a hit at the Emirates.
But the monetary factor is still a challenge. Brighton are going to demand parity, and Arsenal must be wary of paying a premium in transfer fee on what could end up being a punt on potential rather than an established superstar. And yet, with competition growing by the day for his signature, bringing in a prodigy like Joao Pedro before his price rockets could well be a savvy piece of business.
Moreover, if the transfer goes through, Arsenal will be securing a forward who not only fills a tactical gap but also possesses the hunger and quality to grow into a future star.
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