Arsenal Transfer News: Pedro Fee Emerges, Latest Chris Smalling Rumours

Arsenal have been handed a substantial boost in their pursuit of Barcelona outcast Pedro, with Blaugrana manager Luis Enrique reportedly willing to let the Spain international leave the club this summer.

That’s according to reports, cited by George Bellshaw of Metro, stating that the Gunners are "honing in" on the forward. Bellshaw's headline states that he’ll cost £24.8 million. Here’s a look at the kind of qualities Pedro would add to the Arsenal line-up:

The piece claims that Arsene Wenger has looked at bringing the 27-year-old to the club over the last couple of seasons but Barcelona have been eminently reluctant to let him leave. However, it's suggested that with Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi cementing their status as the club’s front three, Enrique would be willing to let Pedro go in the window.

The player’s agent was also coy when he was recently quizzed about the player’s situation with the Catalan giants, per barcastuff:

"

Sanz (agent Pedro): "Pedro is about to start the last year of his contract. He wants to stay, but it will depend on what the club decides."

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 30, 2015"

"

Sanz (agent Pedro): "Barça is in a complicated situation as they can't register players until 2016, so we don't know what to expect." [rct]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 30, 2015"

At his best, the World Cup winner is a scintillating player to watch, capable of beating opponents with an array of intricate attributes and scoring critical goals. But as his opportunities in this side have dwindled, so too has his form.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Indeed, on the rare occasions he has been given a run-out, Pedro has cut an erratic, sluggish and disinterested figure. It’s something that Squawka recently noted during another poor performance:

A fresh start is probably what Pedro needs at this juncture. He seems like the kind of player who would thrive once he gets into the kind of rhythm that only comes with regular football. Although he doesn’t quite make the grade when compared to that aforementioned attacking triumvirate, there’d be a place for him in the starting XI at a lot of elite clubs in Europe.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Arsenal are not necessarily one of them. Alexis Sanchez signed with the Gunners from Barcelona last summer to become one of an almost gluttonous array of attacking-midfield men at the Emirates Stadium. Although Pedro would bring a direct edge to the Gunners’ forays forward, he wouldn’t immediately become a key man—as he may well do with potential suitors elsewhere.

Chris Smalling Wants United Stay

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Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling's contract is due to expire at the end of next season, but speaking on international duty, he’s revealed talks have yet to start between his representatives and the club.

According to reports, cited by Simon Rice of The Independent, the defender is a target for Arsenal, who are apparently readying a £12 million bid. But as noted in the piece, the 25-year-old is focusing on the Red Devils despite increasing speculation:

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I am enjoying it [at United]. I always have, and if I can contribute then I am happy to stay for as long as they want me.

...

It's a case of the manager showing his faith in me and if I am playing I am happy and we have another eight games to finish as strong as we can.

There aren't any negotiations [under way] that I am aware of. I don't really take care of that.

"

Michael Regan/Getty Images

It’s a move that would certainly raise eyebrows among the Arsenal faithful. Smalling has become a figure of ridicule among many opposition supporters, but he’s actually put together quite a solid campaign under Louis van Gaal. Nonetheless, while his athleticism at the back is impressive, his decision-making and basic defensive duties can sometimes leave much to be desired.

Bleacher Report’s Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas certainly isn’t too keen on the club making Smalling a top target:

Smalling is at a critical point in his career. Given how maligned United’s defence has been this season, it’d be no surprise to see Van Gaal spend big on a central defender in the summer. If the acquisition of a world-class talent shunts the England man further down the pecking order, his progression could be hindered.

Arsenal would be an ideal destination for the player, but at the age of 25, you wonder how much work Wenger could do to enrich the player’s fundamental defensive skill set. After all, those instincts are typically inherent qualities, and if Smalling hasn’t fully established them already, the chances are he never will.