Aston Villa are now eyeing a record-breaking deal for Brighton star Joao Pedro as a Marcus Rashford alternative, according to Football Transfers.
The Villans failed to reach the Champions League for a second consecutive campaign after falling to a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford on the final day of the season, which now means the club are likely to be forced to change their transfer strategy for the summer window.
Now Unai Emery and Monchi have identified Brazilian forward Pedro as a high-priority target to bolster their attack for the new season.
Aston Villa Want to Sign Joao Pedro
Deal would cost a club-record amount
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Pedro, who has been a key player for Brighton over the last two seasons, missed the final two games of the Premier League campaign for the Seagulls following a training ground clash with defender Jan Paul Van Hecke.
His future at the Amex Stadium now looks to be in doubt amid interest from some of England's top clubs, and Villa have entered the race as they look to strengthen their attack.
Jhon Duran left the club in January for Al Nassr, while forwards Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford both joined on loan in the same window. But with no Champions League football it's now unclear if either player will join permanently, with Rashford especially expected to be playing elsewhere next season.
Joao Pedro 24/25 Season Stats
Competition
Premier League
FA Cup
Pedro, who has been described as an 'absolute superstar', is expected to be a top target in a deal worth around £58m - which would be a club-record deal - exceeding the £50m they spent on signing Amadou Onana from Everton last summer.
The 23-year-old is capable of playing across the forward line and as a central striker, which could see him replace Rashford in the squad while also providing competition for Ollie Watkins and new signing Zepiqueno Redmond.
There are also question marks about the future of academy sensation Jacob Ramsey, who is valued at around £50m and is being targeted by a number of clubs including Tottenham and Arsenal, with Villa potentially being forced to sell to raise money and avoid issues with PSR and FFP.
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 29/05/2025.
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