Arsenal urged to sign £38m Premier League star to solve Mikel Arteta and Edu striker problem
Arsenal have been urged to sign Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro in the January transfer window.
Edu and Mikel Arteta had been open to bringing a forward to Emirates Stadium in the summer, but no deal ever materialised. The Gunners were linked with the likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko but no out and out number nine was signed.
Raheem Sterling was brought to the club on a season-long loan on deadline day, meaning Arteta has Sterling, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to call upon in the forward areas. Havertz and Jesus will likely fight it out to be the side’s number nine, with the German international favoured in the position in the early parts of the season.
Former Arsenal defender William Gallas believes former Watford star Pedro could be the answer to Arsenal’s striker problem. The 22-year-old has scored two goals in three appearances this season for the Seagulls and quite clearly has a bright future ahead of him. He is valued at €45million (£38million) according to Transfermarkt but Brighton would likely ask for a much higher fee for the Brazilian.
Speaking to Gambling Zone, Gallas said: “Joao Pedro could be the man to make a difference at Arsenal but it would be for next season, even in January it could be too late because Mikel Arteta needs the title this year. It would have to be a huge bid for Brighton to sell in January but they need a striker unless Gabriel Jesus can get fit and perform.
“It’s so difficult for strikers to come in and make an impact after joining in the winter. Arsenal need more goals and Joao Pedro has a big future at one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, but he might join too late – they should’ve gone for him in the summer.”
Arteta and Edu witnessed Pedro’s talents first hand just before the international break, with the Brighton man scoring against the Gunners in the 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium. It remains to be seen if Arsenal do move for Pedro in January or next summer with the club likely monitoring a number of strikers across Europe.
