Brighton & Hove Albion have now submitted an opening offer for one of "Europe's best talents", according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
Seagulls pursuing striker amid Pedro uncertainty
Joao Pedro has once again been among Brighton's best players this season, having picked up ten goals and six assists in the Premier League, but the Brazilian's performance levels mean he is now attracting the attention of some of England's top clubs.
Chelsea and Newcastle United have most recently been named as potential suitors for Pedro, with Magpies legend Alan Shearer praising the striker earlier this season, and there is a feeling that an offer of £51m could be enough to get a deal over the line.
joao-pedro-brighton
The Seagulls are well-known for their model of buying talented youngsters, before selling them on for a major profit after developing at the American Express Stadium, and it looks as though Pedro's potential replacement could fit that mould.
Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra Related
[Everton and Brighton now "ready to make their move" to sign £17m midfielder](https://www.footballfancast.com/everton-brighton-ready-to-make-their-move-to-sign-habib-diarra/ "Everton and Brighton now "ready to make their move" to sign £17m midfielder")
He would be a long-term addition in the middle of the park.
Ornstein recently took to X to state that Brighton are pursuing a deal for Olympiacos striker Charalampos Kostoulas, who is regarded as one of "Europe's best talents", and they have now submitted an opening bid of £30m plus Abdallah Sima.
The bid is expected to be rejected by the Greek club, who clearly feel they can command a higher fee, given Kostoulas' potential, but it remains to be seen whether Fabian Hurzeler's side are willing to increase their offer.
"Powerful" Kostoulas could be Pedro heir
£30m is already a sizeable offer for the Olympiacos striker, given that he is just 17-years-old and unproven in a major league, but there are some signs that he could be a suitable heir for Pedro, having already started to make a name for himself at first-team level.
The Greek forward has seven goals to his name for the senior side, while also receiving high praise from football scout Ben Mattinson, who said: "He’s had a similar position journey as Morgan Rogers due to him being a very powerful ball carrying striker/winger with good link up play… leading to him becoming a #10."
Much like Pedro, Mattinson indicates that Kostoulas specializes in setting up chances for his teammates, which could make him the perfect heir for the 23-year-old this summer, at which point Mattinson believes one of Hurzeler's attackers may have to leave.
Of course, Brighton will be hoping to retain Pedro beyond the summer, as he has once again underlined his importance to the side this season, but should they be unable to retain the Brazil international, Kostoulas' style of play indicates he could be an ideal replacement.