Arsenal’s ambitious summer window is starting to come together, and a Brazilian forward transfer is once again the talk of the north London corridors. Mikel Arteta is looking to fine-tune his attacking options, and the Gunners are said to be considering several signings — and Brighton’s Joao Pedro has caught their eye.
The 23-year-old striker, signed by Brighton from Watford in 2023, has made an impression with his adaptability and goals. Netting 30 in 70 games for the Seagulls, Pedro has demonstrated that he can fit into different positions within the front line. Despite not being a conventionally bred centre-forward, he brings clever movement, technical ability, and the capacity to play off an out-and-out striker or in wider positions. As Arsenal look to overhauling their tactics going into next season, Pedro’s name is naturally back in the mix.
🚨 Liverpool, Arsenal & Chelsea are all showing interest in Joao Pedro ahead of a possible summer transfer. Arsenal are understood to be long-term admirers & Telegraph Sport understands they have explored the possibility of signing him in previous seasons. [@SamJDean] pic.twitter.com/KhWuGjd1mt
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 14, 2025
Joao Pedro’s Appeal and Tactical Fit at Arsenal
Arsenal’s main target this summer continues to be a consistent goal scorer, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko grabbing the headlines. But Pedro is a different kind of attacking option — less of a direct finisher and more of a support striker or a playmaker advanced into a false nine role.
A Brazilian forward transfer such as Pedro’s might provide Arteta with more flexibility. With talk of a switch to 4-2-3-1, the Brighton man’s capacity to tuck in between lines, interchange in small areas, and add creativity makes him an excellent candidate. He might provide cover for Martin Ødegaard in the attacking midfield position or switch with the wide players based on the game situation.
In addition, his English football experience — initially at Watford and later Brighton — eliminates the vagueness many foreign acquisitions carry. Arsenal have long been impressed by Pedro, monitoring his growth since his initial Premier League years. In spite of Watford’s dropping to the Championship, Pedro established himself there and carried that form to the top level. That development bodes well for readiness for a higher tier.
Transfer Reality and Market Competition
Despite Arsenal’s interest, securing a Brazilian forward transfer of this magnitude will not be simple. Pedro cost Brighton £30 million, and any deal would almost certainly require a higher figure now, especially with Chelsea and Liverpool also reportedly keen. Brighton are famous for their acumen in negotiations and will not relinquish a precious asset without a fight. With several elite clubs tracking Pedro’s status, a battle among them might drive his price tag higher than Arsenal could afford for a backup attacking choice.
🚨 TRANSFERS!
At least three Premier League clubs are showing interest in Brighton forward João Pedro ahead of a possible summer transfer. 🇧🇷
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all among the Brazilian's admirers. 🍿
Information from @SamJDean. pic.twitter.com/RKo9jpEIge
— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) May 14, 2025
Another issue is the congested forward line of Arsenal. While a player like Pedro does bring some flexibility, he is not necessarily a priority signing unless other deals in the line collapse. Arsenal are likely to spend a large chunk of their transfer funds on a big-name striker — a player who can push Gabriel Jesus or offer a more physical challenge in the final third.
Nevertheless, the potential signing of Martin Zubimendi in midfield can change how Arteta sees his attack operations. If the team adopts a more fluid system behind the striker, the likes of Pedro become more important. He demonstrates versatility and tactical intelligence — assets highly prized by Arteta.
Although the prospect of a Brazilian forward transfer with Joao Pedro is an interesting one, it looks more of a complementary solution rather than a primary objective for Arsenal this summer. The Gunners are definitely considering players who provide depth and flexibility, but competition and price might restrict the likelihood of this move going through.
Pedro’s technical skill and positional awareness make him a player to watch out for — but whether he will end up at the Emirates is far from guaranteed. As Arsenal reorganize their team, every transfer will have to strike a balance between ambition and pragmatism.
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