Pedro transfer: Liverpool to battle Arsenal for Barcelona winger…
Liverpool are preparing to make a move for Barcelona winger Pedro in the January transfer window, and are determined to outbid Arsenal for the Spanish international.
According to reports in the Metro, the 27-year-old is destined to leave Barca in the new year after falling out of favour under new manager Luis Enrique, and Arsenal had been in pole position to do business.
However, the Reds are now poised to join the race and would be prepared to outbid Arsenal to get their man. The Catalans are thought to be looking for around £25m, and would be happy to let him go should such an offer arrive.
Pedro has been a key player for Barcelona since making the step up to the club’s first-team back in 2008, scoring 88 goals in 273 games – including 19 last season, his best since 2011.
But the summer arrival of Luis Suarez from Liverpool, coupled with the signing of Brazilian superstar Neymar the previous summer, means that he is far from guaranteed first-team football in a packed front line that also includes star man Lionel Messi.
Pedro has also earned 44 caps for his country, scoring 15 times as part of the World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012 winning squads. He could prove an intriguing option for Liverpool, and one that could allow current right winger Raheem Sterling the chance to play more centrally.