As Eddie Nketiah‘s departure from Arsenal to Olympique Marseille edges closer, the Gunners have reportedly set their sights on Brighton & Hove Albion‘s promising forward, Joao Pedro.

This potential move comes after Arsenal‘s other transfer targets have either become unattainable or opted to remain at their current clubs.

Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar have reportedly discussed the possibility of signing the 21-year-old Brazilian, who has emerged as a standout forward in the Premier League with 20 goals in 40 games for the Seagulls.

Pedro’s journey to Brighton

Joao Pedro‘s football journey began in his hometown of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, where his father, Chicão, a former professional footballer, played a crucial role in nurturing his talent. Despite facing personal challenges, including his father’s imprisonment for accessory to murder, Pedro persevered, joining the youth system of Fluminense.

His breakthrough came in 2019 when he made his senior debut for Fluminense, quickly showcasing his goal-scoring ability with 10 in 36. This caught the attention of Watford, who secured his signature in January 2020. After two seasons at Watford, which included 24 goals in 109 games, Pedro moved to Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported club-record £30 million fee.

At Brighton, Pedro has continued to flourish, making a significant impact in both domestic and European competitions. He became the first Brighton player to score in a European competition and finished the Europa League group stage as the top scorer.

His performances have also earned him a call-up to the Brazil national team.

A potential fit for Arsenal?

Pedro’s versatility as a forward, coupled with his technical skills and goal-scoring ability, make him an attractive prospect for Arsenal. His style of play aligns well with Arteta’s tactical approach, and he could more than fill the void that will be left by Nketiah’s departure.

However, securing Pedro’s signature won’t be easy. Brighton is known for driving hard bargains, and they are unlikely to let their star player go without a hefty transfer fee.

Currently valued at around €45m, he is also under contract until 2028.