Arsenal target Joao Pedro transfer and tell Chelsea they will ‘pay north of £85million’ for striker

ARSENAL are reportedly targeting a shock move to sign Chelsea forward Joao Pedro and could make an £85million bid. The Brazilian was one of Chelsea‘s standout players last season as he netted 20 goals in all competitions. Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay more than £85m for Chelsea’s Joao Pedro Credit: Getty Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is looking to upgrade his forward options Credit: Getty He is set to be a key player in Xabi Alonso‘s first season in charge as the Blues look to bounce back from finishing 10th in the Prem. But his super displays in front of goal are said to have brought him interest from the Gunners and Barcelona. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Reports from Brazilian outlet Globo claim Mikel Arteta‘s side are willing to pay more than £85m for his signature. Arteta is looking to build on Arsenal‘s Premier League title-winning season and wants more competition for Viktor Gyokeres amid Gabriel Jesus‘ struggles with form and fitness. Barcelona are also willing to stump up a similar fee for Pedro after emerging as one of the major suitors. But the report adds that Chelsea have closed the door to a sale and want Pedro to sign a new deal. The Blues are set to tempt Pedro with a one-year extension to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033 with a “considerable salary increase”. Other reports from Spain insist Chelsea boss Alonso considers Pedro as one of his “untouchables” this season. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Xabi Alonso is said to have labelled Pedro as one of his ‘untouchables’ Credit: Getty The story from Diario Sport claims Pedro would be open to joining Barcelona this summer. But it insists the door is well and truly shut and Chelsea have no intention of listening to offers. Defender Josh Acheampong has joined him on Alonso’s list of players who aren’t for sale. Alonso is hoping to build a team around Pedro as he looks to make his mark at Chelsea this season. He has already secured the signature of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a British record of £117m. He’s also brought in defender Maxence Lecroix from Crystal Palace, wing-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon. Chelsea also signed Strasbourg star Valentin Barco and surprisingly snapped up veterans Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck. Comment now