NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates after scoring their third goal to make the score 1-3 during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion at City Ground on November 25, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea could be set for a battle for the signature of Brighton star Joao Pedro according to the Telegraph. All three clubs are expected to be active this summer, specifically in search of attacking reinforcements and have added the Brighton star to their wish lists.
Wish lists that are growing by the day if rumours are to be believed.
The Brazilian forward became one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents when he joined then top flight club Watford from Fluminese 2020. Then 19, he was one of the lone bright spots in a Hornets side that was relegated and promoted twice in four seasons.
He joined Brighton for a club record £30 million fee in 2023 and has continued to catch the eye for his trickery and goalscoring. He has 10 goals and 6 assists in 27 appearances this season, with Brighton on course for commendable top half finish.
Joao Pedro wanted by Premier League trio
Joao Pedro has shown his ability to play in multiple positions across the front line. He has played as a number 10, a left winger, and as a central striker and this versatility is known to be one of the attributes most desired.
Arsenal are notably linked to several forward players. The names of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokores , RB Leibzig’s Benjamin Sesko, and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams are known to be of interest to the Gunners, with Arsenal identifying a striker and left winger as their top priorities this summer.
Arsenal’s need for attacking reinforcements was confirmed by a cagey Mikel Arteta who was notable annoyed by a reporter’s prodding into his summer plans to sign a striker.
“Do I have to make it more clear? In January it was clear or not?” he said. “I told you because you were in the room I think many times and it was a very clear statement. The statement continues the same.”
Liverpool are also known to be in the market for attacking reinforcements, with the future of Darwin Nunez continuing to be the topic of headlines. The Uruguayan is expected to leave the club after what has been a trying three seasons in the Premier League.
As it stands, Nunez is the only recognized out and out striker in any case and Arne Slot is expected to add another goal scorer to his ranks as the Reds launch a title defense.
Diogo Jota has seen injuries damper much of his time at the club while Cody Gakpo has played mostly a bit part role. Top scorer Mo Salah and winger Luis Diaz have been the only attacking constants for Liverpool, so Slot could be in the market for another long term piece up front.
Chelsea are widely expected to add a forward to their ranks as well, with Nicolas Jackson the only striker trusted by manager Enzo Maresca. Christopher Nkunku looks set to leave the club after failing to impress, while Jadon Sancho’s loan deal is not expected to be made permanent. Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto on the Chelsea flanks haven’t cemented their places as nailed on starters either, and Maresca could enter the market once more for attacking options.
No club has officially expressed firm interest at the moment, but the expectation is that Brighton would seek significantly more than the £30 million they paid for the player.
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