It has been reported in the Mirror that Arsenal are set to land a cut price deal for Spain winger Pedro in the Summer, the deal would see the 27 year old Barcelona attacker link up with former team mate Alexis Sanchez who has made an immediate impact this season. But do Arsenal need him?
Due to injuries to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the lack of first team opportunities given to Theo Walcott Arsenal have been playing Aaron Ramsey out of position on the right wing, in some games this has worked but was shown to be less than ideal on Sunday at Old Trafford when he really struggled to make any kind of impact on the game.
Pedro would fit straight into the Arsenal style of play much like Sanchez has who is arguably the signing of the season, also like Sanchez he is adaptable in a front three, he play on either flank and as a no.10 put is most effective on the right cutting inside which is where he has been at his best for Barcelona‘s first team where he has spent 7 years since being promoted from their La Masia academy.
Something Arsene Wenger has tried to do in the last few seasons is to add at least one player a season that has developed a trophy winning mentality with the signings of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid and the aforementioned Alexis Sanchez, Pedro would add that same winning attitude that they possess. The Spanish international has won five La Liga titles, two Champions League titles, one European Championship and one World Cup, he would only add more quality to Arsenal‘s attacking options.
Pedro has found his chances limited under new coach Luis Enrique and with the arrival of Neymar last season followed by Luis Suarez this campaign he has found opportunities at a premium this season. The pacey winger has made 34 La Liga appearances this season starting only 14, scoring six goals, contributing five assists and creating 23 chances.
With the ever growing uncertainty over Theo Walcott‘s future the signing of Pedro would be at worst a very workable contingency plan if there is a need to offload Walcott due to him not signing a contract extension, in many ways he is an upgrade to the Arsenal winger.
