Arsenal were linked with a move to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton this summer.
It was clear to everyone that the Gunners would sign a new striker in this window, and they were rumoured to be interested in about a dozen names.
Pedro was reported to be a target for Andrea Berta, and many fans were worried that he was too similar to Gabriel Jesus.
Chelsea ended up signing Pedro ahead of other interested clubs, and the reason Arsenal didn’t go after the Brazilian has just emerged.
Arsenal are working on several deals in this transfer window.
The Gunners have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, while a deal has been agreed to bring Noni Madueke to Arsenal as well.
Berta is still working on a new striker and a versatile attacker, and some would argue that Pedro would check that second box.
However, Ben Jacobs has now revealed that Arsenal aren’t looking for someone like Pedro — Arteta’s focus is on a player like Eberechi Eze instead.
He said on GiveMeSport: “He’s not necessarily the Arsenal profile, especially if you’re going for Eze in the centre and a more defined left-winger.
“Pedro is a versatile player, and Arsenal probably feel that if they’re going to enter the conversation for Eberechi Eze, Pedro wouldn’t fit.
“If you look at Arsenal, you have a left winger, they want someone traditional, or they’re going down the Noni Madueke route, that attacking midfield position is another kind of role.
“Chelsea wanted another 10 or second striker who could play out wide or at nine, but Arsenal want an Eberechi Eze who plays behind the striker, not like Joao Pedro, and that’s probably why Arsenal didn’t enter the race.”
If the choice is between Eze and Pedro for Arsenal, there is only one right answer.
The Englishman has been amazing for the Eagles in recent seasons, and his numbers in the 2024/25 campaign were excellent too.
Eze scored more goals than Pedro last season despite playing in a deeper position.
Pedro is not a bad player by any means, but Mikel Arteta is right to have Eze ahead of the Brazilian in his wish list this summer.
The Eagles star is an amazing player, and we are convinced that he is going to be a better signing for Arsenal than Pedro will turn out to be for Chelsea.
However, it remains to be seen if Arsenal can strike a deal with Palace to get him.
