Arsenal have allegedly entered the fray with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool to sign Brighton’s Joao Pedro during the summer. With Mikel Arteta looking to strengthen his attack for the 2025/26 season, the Gunners are scouring for different kinds of profiles—and Pedro is one such name that has piqued their interest.
Although not an initial target at this point, the Brazilian’s tractability and technical skill are believed to be something Arteta values highly in trying to shape the long-term look of the team. Joao Pedro has emerged as a star player at Brighton after joining from Watford in 2023 for £30 million. Though he has worn the No.9 jersey at the Amex, Pedro doesn’t play like a typical centre-forward. His game is instead characterized by astute movement, interlinking, and a capability to move into deeper or wider areas.
The 23-year-old has scored 30 goals in 70 games for the Seagulls and has continued to evolve under the pacey attacking regime of Roberto De Zerbi. Now, as per reports, Arsenal—constantly admiring the forward since his Watford times—may revive their interest.
🚨 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
Arsenal Prioritising Attack in Summer Plans
This summer, Arsenal’s recruitment focus is centred on bolstering their frontline. Names like Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko have been widely linked. Either of the two players will potentially fill the central striker role that Arteta has long sought to improve. However, Pedro represents a different kind of signing.
Instead of a classic No.9, the Brazilian might be a tactical wild card whose versatility is as valuable in creative midfield positions as it is in adding depth at the front line. He can play in the position behind a striker, cut in wide, or play second up-front. These attributes are well-suited to Arteta’s system of flexibility. With Martin Zubimendi likely to make the move from Real Sociedad, there is talk that Arsenal may increasingly adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation next year. With such a formation, Pedro’s qualities can be fully utilized.
The Brazilian has been at ease playing in deeper and more inventive positions. He would offer protection or competition for Martin Odegaard at No.10. He also provides a different profile to Arsenal’s existing wide players. Although, how much he succeeds on the flanks will rely on overlapping full-backs. Although not a certain starter, Pedro would provide the team useful tactical flexibility—particularly in a year when Arsenal are likely to be competing on several fronts.
Alexander Interest Ongoing, But Rivalry is Intense
Pedro is not the only Brazilian attacker Arsenal are interested in signing this summer. The Gunners had earlier been considered for Matheus Cunha of Wolves in the January transfer window. But the 25-year-old now seems headed to Manchester United.
🚨 Arsenal have shown firm interest in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves in the January transfer window.
(Source: Fichajes) pic.twitter.com/lHuwxjTvGG
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 22, 2025
Cunha was never considered an optimal fit for Arteta’s system. Pedro is of similar ilk—skilled, adaptable, but maybe more of a luxury piece than a priority requirement. Additionally, Brighton won’t allow Pedro to leave for anything less than a substantial fee. Paying £30 million for him only two years ago, they would want to make a considerable profit—particularly given that Chelsea and Liverpool are also following the player.
For Arsenal, Joao Pedro is an interesting but complicated candidate. His technical skills and flexibility suit the club’s style of play. But if the deal is financially or structurally sound is questionable. With so many priority targets on their shortlist—especially in central striking and out wide—it is possible to see Pedro as a lesser option or a move for down the window, depending on how other opportunities pan out.
Arsenal supporters will not view the Brighton star as a must-sign signing. However, if the fee is reasonable and the tactical jigsaw fits, he will be one of the more intriguing signings.
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