Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Pedro Rodriguez, Tomas Rosicky Rumours

Arsenal are pursuing a move for Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez, according to the latest rumours.

Per the Telegraph, the Gunners "have made initial contact with the player's representatives as they evaluate the chances of a deal being struck this summer."

In June, the Spaniard signed a contract with Barca that runs until 2019, but according to Luis Rojo of Marca, Pedro is still eager to leave in search of regular football.

The 27-year-old's playing time has been restricted of late thanks to the acquisitions of Neymar and Luis Suarez, who are both unquestionably ahead of him in manager Luis Enrique's pecking order.

Pedro can play along the front three, and despite his relatively limited time on the pitch, he scored 11 goals and made nine assists in all competitions last season.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

As the Guardian's Sid Lowe notes on Twitter, Pedro is an intelligent runner and a strong finisher, particularly using the inside of his foot.

The incisive forward would add great quality to the Gunners' attack, which is slightly lacking in firepower beyond Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez.

However, as Rojo's report indicates, Pedro will not be allowed to leave the Camp Nou before the end of their transfer ban in order to maintain cover for Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi.

A move for Pedro could be in the cards, but it's not going to happen until January at the earliest.

Sparta Prague Return for Tomas Rosicky?

According to the same report by the Telegraph, Sparta Prague are appealing to Tomas Rosicky to return to the fold.

"I'd love him to come and for it to happen soon, but I don't want to put uncomfortable pressure on Tomas," major shareholder Daniel Kretinsky said. "It’s up to him, I understand that leaving Arsenal isn't easy."

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At 34, one could question what the incredibly injury-prone midfielder could continue to bring to Arsenal, given that he made just five league starts last season.

As Jonathan Wilson notes for WhoScored.com, "He's not spectacular, but he is consistent and fluent and, in a team like Arsenal for whom protection of the ball is the key strut of their defensive strategy, his capacity to find space and play simple passes is vital."

Though Rosicky isn't capable of playing week in, week out, the ageing midfielder is a reliable performer when he plays.

Thanks to his experience and strong pass-completion rate (84.6 percent, per WhoScored.com), Rosicky keeps play ticking over in midfield for the Gunners, often going about his business quietly but effectively.

Further, while his impact may not be as tangible as Santi Cazorla's or Aaron Ramsey's in terms of goals and assists, the former Borussia Dortmund man is still providing for his team in his own way.

The Czech international signed a one-year contract extension in May, so it would seem manager Arsene Wenger has recognised the benefit of keeping Rosicky around.

More importantly, it makes the idea of his departure this summer highly unlikely.

Expect Rosicky to remain at the Emirates Stadium for at least one more season.