REUTERS/Hollie Adams
Arsenal have made an approach to sign Chelsea star Joao Pedro, who is also of interest to Manchester City.
The Gunners have set out to sign a new striker, with Gabriel Jesus' future at the Emirates Stadium still up in the air, and the Brazilian could be sold for just £5m.
In the same report, Gabriel Martinelli is named as another leading contender to leave, heightening the need for Mikel Arteta to strengthen his attack this summer, and Pedro could be a fantastic option, having really kicked on since leaving Brighton & Hove Albion.
It is no surprise the centre-forward is attracting so much attention, considering the way he performed during his debut campaign at Chelsea, chipping in with 15 goals and eight assists in 35 Premier League appearances.
Former Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior also singled out the Brazil international for some high praise back in March, saying: "I think Joao is now in areas where he is in a position to score goals. That’s been a brilliant adaptation for him, and it needs to continue. He’s unbelievable.
"His physicality, he’s so quick, it’s really hard to catch up with him once he gets in behind. He’s been outstanding, I’ve loved working with him so far."
Joao Pedro's attacking record Appearances Goals
Watford 109 24
Brighton 70 30
Chelsea 53 23
Fluminense 36 10
Arsenal make contact to sign Joao Pedro
joao-pedro-chelsea
According to a report from Globo (via Metro), Arsenal have now made contact to sign Pedro, and they were willing to pay £86m to secure his services, but their approach was knocked back by Chelsea, who have no interest in sanctioning a departure.
The Blues are now scrambling to offer the former Brighton & Hove Albion man a new contract, in order to ward off the interest from elsewhere, with the Gunners' potential Premier League title rivals, Manchester City, also keen.
In fact, Enzo Maresca's side are preparing an opening bid for the striker, with City's new manager eyeing a raid on his former club, and they believe they might be able to tempt Chelsea into a sale.
The latest on Arsenal signing Vinicius Jr
Vinicius-Jr-Brazil
With Martinelli's future in doubt, Arsenal are also pursuing a left-winger, and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has emerged as a target, as the Brazilian has just one year remaining on his current deal.
David Ornstein has revealed the Madrid winger is set to hold talks regarding a contract extension over the next few days, but if an agreement cannot be reached, he would be keen on a move to north London.
Arteta refused to be drawn into the speculation about Vinicius Jr, but insisted the club are actively trying to improve the squad, as the new campaign draws ever closer.