“Could be the man to make a difference at Arsenal” - William Gallas urges Arteta to sign 22-year-old Brazilian attacker in January to help win title

Former Arsenal defender has urged Mikel Arteta to sign Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro in the January transfer window. He said that the Gunners should've tried to sign Pedro in the summer itself and that he could be a big difference-maker.

Pedro, 22, has been highly impressive since joining Brighton from Watford in the summer of 2023. He's scored 22 goals and provided three assists in 43 games for them. Not only is he excellent at goalscoring, but the Brazilian's link-up play and dribbling are highly effective as well.

In a recent interview with Gambling Zone, Gallas claimed that Mikel Arteta's side are already too late in trying to sign Pedro. However, he urged them to make an attempt in January or next summer, saying (via Football.London):

"Joao Pedro could be the man to make a difference at Arsenal but it would be for next season, even in January it could be too late because Mikel Arteta needs the title this year. It would have to be a huge bid for Brighton to sell in January but they need a striker unless Gabriel Jesus can get fit and perform.

"It’s so difficult for strikers to come in and make an impact after joining in the winter. Arsenal need more goals and Joao Pedro has a big future at one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, but he might join too late - they should’ve gone for him in the summer."

Pedro has had an excellent start to the 2024-25 campaign as well, scoring two goals in three games, including a goal in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal. His contract with Brighton expires in 2028 and while his market value is £38 million (via Transfermarkt), the Seagulls are expected to demand a much higher fee.

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Arsenal star picks Gabriel Jesus to be the club's top scorer this season

Bukayo Saka has been the Gunners' top scorer in two of the last Premier League seasons, with Gabriel Martinelli being the other one. Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, scored 11 league goals in his debut season at the club (2022-23) and just four goals last season.

Martinelli has, however, still backed Jesus to be the top scorer for the north London side this season. He said (via TBR Football):

“Top goalscorer will be Gabi Jesus. He is an amazing player and he always scores some nice goals, that is my opinion."

Jesus has featured in just one match this season so far and has been since ruled out due to an injury.

Arsenal, meanwhile are still unbeaten this season, with two wins and one draw in the Premier League. They will next face arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur away on Sunday, September 15.