Arsenal’s make staggering £86m approach for Joao Pedro

Arsenal have seen a staggering £86 million approach for Chelsea striker Joao Pedro promptly dismissed, as the west London club dig in their heels to retain one of their most prized assets.

Arsenal Turned Away in £86m Swoop for Chelsea’s Red-Hot Striker

The Premier League champions submitted a €100 million (£86 million) proposal for the Brazilian forward, demonstrating manager Mikel Arteta’s determination to bolster his attacking options.

However, Chelsea’s hierarchy immediately shut down the move, categorising the 24-year-old as an “untouchable” member of the squad.

The Blues’ firm stance comes amid parallel interest from Barcelona, who have also indicated a willingness to match the hefty fee.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Pedro stems from an urgent need to reinforce their frontline following Viktor Gyokeres’ inconsistent debut season at the Emirates.

Arteta initially targeted Julian Alvarez as his primary summer recruit, but Atletico Madrid’s demands exceeding £100 million rendered that deal unviable.

The Gunners had previously tracked Pedro before his £60 million switch to Chelsea and have now revived their interest, only to be met with a firm rejection.

The Brazilian international enjoyed a sensational 2025/26 campaign, netting 20 goals across all competitions and establishing himself as Chelsea’s undisputed number one striker.

Despite the club’s disappointing 10th-place Premier League finish, Pedro described the season as “one of the best of my life.”

He has also impressed in pre-season under new manager Xabi Alonso, scoring a nine-minute hat-trick against Western Sydney Warriors.

In response to the growing interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, Chelsea are preparing to offer Pedro a new long-term contract.

Although his current deal runs until 2032, the Blues intend to extend it by another year with a considerable salary increase.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a verbal agreement is in place for the forward to sign until June 2033.

Arteta has already strengthened his title-winning squad with three signings, including Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier, while also securing Piero Hincapie on a permanent basis.

The north London club are also closing in on an £80 million deal for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and pursuing a sensational move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior.

However, their hopes of landing Pedro appear all but over, with Chelsea declaring their star striker non-negotiable.