If you ask A Arsenal If you liked what the team needed to improve on a year ago, they probably would have said a new forward.
If you asked the same question to a fan today, they would almost certainly say the same thing.
Mikel Arteta He has helped transform Arsenal into one of the best teams in England over the past few years, but since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club in 2022, he has been unable to sign the prolific number nine.
However, this could be about to change as recent reports have linked the club with someone who could be the perfect promotion for him Kai Havertz.
Arsenal transfer news
According to A A recent report from Caught OffsideArsenal is one of several parties interested in signing the Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro.
Alongside the Gunners, the report claims that Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on signing the Brazilian, while Chelsea have also shown interest.
Interestingly, while the Seagulls have set an asking price of €70m – £58m – for the striker, the report revealed that the north Londoners “plan to make a bid of approximately €55m to €65m”, which is somewhere between Between £46 million and £54 million.
It would be an expensive and complicated move to get over the line, but given Pedro's ability, it is one worth pursuing, especially as he could be an upgrade for Havertz.
How does Pedro compare to Havertz?
So, if Arsenal are successful in their pursuit of Pedro for around £54m, it seems unlikely that he will come to the bench.
Therefore, the Brighton star will be in direct competition with Havertz for a place in the starting lineup, but which one comes out ahead?
Well, in terms of their raw production this season, it's a bit complicated, as the German did He scored ten goals and provided two assists Compared to Brazilian Four goals and three assists.
However, the seagulls are “magnificent,” as he called them Talent scout Jacek KulejHe achieved his tally in only ten matches, which is equivalent to sharing a goal every 1.42 matches.
In comparison, the former Chelsea player has made his scoring debut in 23 games, resulting in a significantly less impressive average of one goal every 1.91 games.
What about their core numbers then? Who comes out on top when we look under the hood?
Surprisingly, he is the 'crazy' former Watford star. Analyst Ben Mattinson called itwhich comes out ahead, and a mile at that.
|
Pedro vs Havertz |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics per 90 |
Pedro |
Havertz |
|
Unexpected penalty G+As |
0.54 |
0.54 |
|
Actual non-penalty G+As |
0.93 |
0.47 |
|
Progressive passes |
3.73 |
2.97 |
|
Holds progressivism |
3.60 |
1.55 |
|
Screenshots |
2.39 |
2.36 |
|
Shots on target |
0.93 |
0.88 |
|
Goals per shot |
0.22 |
0.14 |
|
Goals for every shot on goal |
0.57 |
0.38 |
|
Key passes |
1.47 |
0.81 |
|
Passes to the penalty area |
1.73 |
0.47 |
|
Snapshot creation procedures |
2.78 |
2.36 |
|
Goal creation procedures |
0.53 |
0.14 |
|
Successful acquisitions |
1.73 |
0.41 |
|
All statistics via FBref for PL season 24/25 |
||
For example, the 23-year-old emerges victorious in all relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals, as well as assists, passes and carries, shots and shots on target, and goals. For every shot, shot on goal, shooting movement and goal assist, it's all around 90.
Ultimately, while Havertz is a fantastic player and was a useful signing for Arsenal, Pedro's stats are far more impressive, and in a weaker team, so Arteta and company must do everything they can to sign the Brazilian striker as soon as possible. .
