Joao Pedro spotted with Arsenal chief amid confirmed transfer interest

News

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta was spotted in conversation with Chelsea forward Joao Pedro on Sunday, amid confirmed transfer interest in the Brazil international.

Pedro, 24, joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer and following an immense first 12 months at Stamford Bridge, in which he scored 23 goals in 53 games, he was rewarded with a lucrative new contract in August.

Current ETV

João Pedro

F (C)

Chelsea

João Pedro

F (C)

Chelsea

€71.8M

ETV Range

€53.9M - €89.8M

View full profile

The forward had been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona during the early weeks of the summer window, with Hansi Flick’s side identifying him as an alternative to top target Julian Alvarez, but Chelsea had no interest in sanctioning a sale.

Arsenal were also touted as possible suitors for the 24-year-old and BBC Sport have confirmed that Pedro was on the Gunners’ list of transfer targets over the summer.

The north London giants eventually decided against signing a new centre forward before Transfer Deadline Day, despite interest in both Alvarez and Pedro, and Kai Havertz has started the season in flying form, netting three goals in four matches to date.

However, rumoured interest in Pedro is likely to intensify after he was approached by Berta in the tunnel at the Emirates Stadium following Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

The Arsenal sporting director congratulated several Gunners stars as they made their way off the pitch, before entering the tunnel just before Pedro. He was then spotted in conversation with the Chelsea striker as the pair walked towards their respective dressing rooms.

It may not mean anything, however Arsenal fans will undoubtedly be buoyed by the prospect of their transfer guru in contact with Pedro, who has established himself as one of the best forwards in the Premier League since his move to Chelsea.

Will Joao Pedro join Arsenal?

While rumours may intensify following Berta’s conversation with Pedro, a move to Arsenal will almost certainly be ruled out by Chelsea in 2027.

The Brazilian was named as one of their ‘untouchable’ players this summer and having scored two goals and provided two assists in his first three league matches of this season, there is little to suggest that his status will change anytime soon.

Pedro now has eight years remaining on his current contract at Chelsea and it would likely take a British record transfer fee for Xabi Alonso’s side to even consider a sale, especially to a direct rival like Arsenal.