Arsenal Transfer News: Pedro Talks Reported, Georginio Wijnaldum Opens Door

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger just cannot stop trying to buy attacking players. Not content with recruiting forward Alexis Sanchez and striker Danny Welbeck this summer, Wenger is reportedly targeting wingers Pedro, Georginio Wijnaldum and Goncalo Guedes.

It remains to be seen how well Wenger's interest in yet more attacking options will sit with sections of Gunners fans. Many are frustrated at the Frenchman's reticence to instead purchase a commanding centre-back, along with a rugged and defensive-minded midfield player.

However, Wenger is nothing if not consistent. He's rarely met an attacking midfielder or forward he didn't like. That's why it's no surprise he is keen on reuniting Pedro with former Barca team-mate Sanchez, per Daily Star reporter Nick Lustig:

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The Gunners were interested in bringing the forward to the Emirates Stadium during the summer, before new Barca boss Luis Enrique put the blockers on the move.

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It has been claimed that Arsenal chiefs will hold talks with their Barca counterparts ahead of the winter transfer window and hope to strike a deal for the 27-year-old.

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News of revived interest in Pedro comes after reports claiming the disgruntled forward has submitted a transfer request, per Daily Express reporter Charles Perrin. He's noted how Pedro has been keeping the exit door ajar since the FIFA 2014 World Cup: "When a decision has to be made, I'll speak with the club and we'll see what happens. Right now I'm only concentrating on the Spain squad and having a good World Cup. Whatever comes in the future, will come."

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Pedro's place at Camp Nou is under serious threat following the arrival of £75 million striker Luis Suarez, along with the emergence of exciting young prospect Munir El Haddadi.

Earlier this season, Luis Enrique praised Munir's obvious talent, as well as his rapid development, per Goal.com reporter Mark Doyle: "Munir is tearing through the levels at a terrifying rate. He gives us options, he scores goals and he's competitive."

But despite the competition, Pedro remains a deadly attacker. His lightning pace, intelligent movement and excellent finishing touch make him lethal in the kind of quick, pass-and-move game Wenger loves.

The problem is Arsenal don't have an obvious need for a player with those skills. Wenger already has Theo Walcott, whom he cannot wait to partner with Sanchez, according to Arsenal.com writer Max Jones:

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His runs off the ball are fantastic and it always gives you hope that you can score goals. The pace we have in the side when he’s back is very impressive because Welbeck, Alexis and Oxlade-Chamberlain are also very quick.

Could the attacking pace frighten defences? Let’s see. My imagination works like yours but I have to prove that they can work together on the pitch and that’s what I’ll try to do when everybody’s back.

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But Walcott isn't the only forward Wenger can unleash from the flanks. He can also call on young players such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Campbell, along with veteran Germany international Lukas Podolski.

Every member of that trio can break from wide areas to get behind a defence. As good as Pedro is, signing the Catalan ace would resemble a luxury buy when Wenger already has many options at his disposal.

So would recruiting Wijnaldum or Guedes. The former is a target for both Arsenal and Manchester United, after declaring his intention to leave Holland, per Dutch paper De Telegraaf (h/t Daily Star reporter Chisanga Malata):

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Wijnaldum, 23, has attracted interest from a host of Europe's top clubs in the last few months, and several reports have suggested that Manchester United and Arsenal are eager to sign the Dutchman.

According to reports, Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger are big admirers of the PSV ace.

PSV ruled out selling the tricky forward several times this summer, but now they may have to cash in on the winger.

In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Wijnaldum revealed he is ready to leave Eindhoven.

He said: 'Next summer would be a great time to take the next step.'

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Meanwhile, the Gunners are apparently prepared to beat even more powerful competition to secure Guedes' signature. That's according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (h/t Daily Express writer Anthony Chapman):

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Arsenal are leading Bayern Munich in the race for Benfica starlet Goncalo Guedes, dubbed 'the new Franck Ribery'.

And according to O Jogo, Arsene Wenger is confident of striking a deal for Guedes as he looks to reinvigorate the Gunners' youth team.

However, the Arsenal boss faces stiff competition from Pep Guardiola, although it is believed that Guedes favours a move to the Premier League over the Bundesliga.

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Wenger has a history of recruiting and developing many of Europe's brightest young talents. If Guedes is as good as advertised, few would begrudge the manager indulging that policy again.

However, Wenger already has a precocious gem at that position on the books at Arsenal. The player in question is Serge Gnabry.

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Gnabry has just started his comeback from a long-term injury, but the stout and pacy 19-year-old has already built a glowing reputation at Arsenal.

He featured for the first team last season, even netting his first Premier League goal in the Gunners' 2-1 away win over Swansea City in late September 2013.

Wenger has often endorsed Gnabry's potential. He heaped praise on the youngster after he helped inspire Arsenal's 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over north London rival Tottenham Hotspur, back in January, per Daily Mirror reporter Ben Burrows: "He is a very young boy but he is bright and has a good football brain. I am a strong believer in him."

Signing a talent as well regarded as Guedes could stunt the development of youngsters such as Gnabry and Campbell.

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However, the real issue is how spending big on another attacker would dangerously unbalance a squad already overloaded with playmakers and forwards. It would also take away funds that ought to be used on beefing up Arsenal's wafer-thin resources at the back.

Arsenal are stretched to the breaking point along the back four, where only Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Calum Chambers are recognised options in the middle. Wenger has recently been forced to deploy natural left-back Nacho Monreal centrally while Koscielny has nursed an Achilles problem.

Having also lost right-back Mathieu Debuchy to an ankle injury, defensive reinforcements are Wenger's more pressing need this winter.