Arsenal considered Chelsea forward Joao Pedro as an alternative to Julian Alvarez during their search for a striker, according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel.
The Brazilian was viewed by the Gunners as a possible option if they were unable to pursue their preferred target, Alvarez, who had previously been regarded as Arsenal’s main transfer priority. However, uncertainty over whether Joao Pedro would fit Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach meant the club were not fully convinced about moving for him.
Joao Pedro’s situation at Chelsea also means any potential deal would have involved a player tied to the club for the long term. In August, the 24-year-old signed a new contract with the Blues that runs until 2034.
His estimated transfer value is €80m, according to experts at Transfermarkt. That figure places Joao Pedro among the more significant potential options considered by Arsenal, although the report does not indicate that a transfer was completed or that the forward became their preferred solution.
The interest in Joao Pedro came in the context of Arsenal’s focus on Alvarez. The Atletico de Madrid forward had been identified as the priority target, with Joao Pedro considered an alternative rather than the main option.
Arsenal’s hesitation centred on the question of tactical suitability. Although Joao Pedro was of interest to the north London club, there were doubts within Arsenal about how effectively the Chelsea striker would fit into the system used by Arteta.
For Chelsea, Joao Pedro remains under contract until 2034 after agreeing the extension in August. Transfermarkt’s assessment places his current market value at €80m.
The report therefore highlights two distinct aspects of Arsenal’s thinking: Alvarez had been their preferred target, while Joao Pedro was among the alternatives examined by the club. The Brazilian’s status as a Chelsea player, his long-term contract and the internal doubts over his suitability all formed part of the situation.