Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has been spotted in conversation with Chelsea forward Joao Pedro following the recent match between the two London clubs, as first reported by FootballTransfers. The development comes amid claims that Arsenal and Barcelona have both indicated a willingness to pay €100m (£84m) to sign the 24-year-old, though no formal bids or personal terms have been reported.
Chelsea's stance on Joao Pedro and contract plans
Despite Arsenal's interest, Chelsea remain determined to retain the striker and have actively moved to secure his long-term future. Writing on social media, journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Joao Pedro is set to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge running until June 2033. Romano noted that a "verbal agreement [is] done" on a deal that includes a salary increase, with Chelsea viewing the forward as "untouchable" after rebuffing approaches from three major clubs.
Arsenal's alternative striker shortlist
Arsenal are actively searching for attacking reinforcements following the departures of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus. If a deal for Joao Pedro proves impossible due to Chelsea's contract renewal plans, the Gunners have developed a two-man shortlist for the January transfer window, according to CaughtOffside.
The alternative targets are Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi. However, both options present obstacles. Alvarez is expected to command a fee exceeding £100m, while the 20-year-old Kroupi, valued at approximately £60m, is currently recovering from a fractured metatarsal. Any formal move by Arsenal in the winter window will depend on how negotiations for Joao Pedro's contract extension progress at Chelsea.
