Spanish media has revealed that Barcelona is open to selling Pedri, a recent target of Arsenal’s transfer pursuits. The Catalan club aims to address financial issues, believing that parting ways with the star, who has a €1 Ƅillion release clause, could be the key.
Pedri, known for his exceptional passing and technical skills, is often considered an evolving version of the legendary Andres Iniesta. With Arsenal valuing ball control and ball circulation, Pedri’s presence would be eagerly anticipated under Mikel Arteta’s leadership.
However, the potential drawbacks for Arsenal are significant. Barcelona would demand a massive fee for Pedri, potentially creating a blockbuster transfer for the second consecutive summer after Rice. Yet, this move may not align with Arsenal’s priorities, which currently involve securing a quality striker, a versatile forward to share the load with Saka and Martinelli, or even a top-class defender to maintain defensive stability.
Pedri’s impressive ball circulation skills are noteworthy. If Arsenal pursues Pedri, it could strain their budget, causing them to miss out on more crucial targets. As Arsenal only participates in this season’s Champions League, their financial resources might not balance out if they become overly ambitious in the transfer market.
Furthermore, Pedri’s presence may not be essential for Arsenal, given their already high-quality midfield, featuring players adept at ball circulation and supporting the aттack, such as Odegaard, Havertz, and the newly acquired Declan Rice, who can also play as a number 8 if needed.
Arteta’s current objective is to acquire a midfield enforcer, responsible for remote defensive duties to free up Rice. The Arsenal manager aims to maximize the potential of the English star rather than relying on sweeping midfielders.
Pedri’s frequent injᴜry troubles are also a factor for Arsenal to consider. The statistics show that Pedri has missed 13 matches this season due to injuries, adding to a history of similar situations in previous seasons (15 matches in 2022/23 and 41 matches in 2021/22).
Investing a substantial fee in such a high-risƙ deal could jeopardize Arsenal’s future once again, making Pedri, despite his brilliance, an unsuitable choice for them at this time.