Arsenal wanted to sign Chelsea striker?
September 7, 2026 02:42
Arsenal explored the possibility of signing Chelsea striker João Pedro during the recent summer window, a move reported by BBC journalist Sami Mokbel. The Gunners ultimately added five permanent signings over the summer but brought in only one attacking player, Christos Tzolis.
Mokbel’s reporting says Chelsea resisted any sale of Pedro and reinforced that position by giving the Brazilian a new long-term contract last month, which the source states runs until June 2034. That renewal made a summer transfer for Pedro unlikely.
KEY CONTEXT
- Arsenal pursued a high-profile forward throughout the summer but managed only one forward arrival (Tzolis).
- João Pedro is a former Watford player who was under Chelsea’s control during the window.
- According to the report, Chelsea declared Pedro not for sale and extended his contract to 2034 to make their position clear.
- The summer transfer window closed on 1 September 2026.
WHY IT MATTERS
If Arsenal regarded Pedro as a prime target, Chelsea’s refusal and the new long-term deal remove a significant option for the Gunners’ chase for an elite centre-forward. With only one attacking signing completed, Arsenal remain short of the marquee addition they sought, which affects how they might plan squad reinforcement and rotation during the season.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Arsenal will renew efforts to sign a marquee striker in the January window, as the report suggests they are likely to do.
- Any change in Chelsea’s stance on Pedro should his situation or contract evolve; at present the contract extension makes an immediate move improbable.
- How Arsenal manage their forwards in the opening months of the season while a bigger signing is still pursued.
KEY FACTS
- Reported target: João Pedro of Chelsea (report attributed to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel).
- Arsenal completed five permanent signings over the summer but only one forward, Christos Tzolis.
- Chelsea reportedly made Pedro unavailable for transfer and gave him a new long-term contract.
- Pedro’s contract extension is reported to run until June 2034.
- The summer transfer window closed on 1 September 2026.