Barcelona Transfer News: Pedro to Request Exit Amid Arsenal, Liverpool Rumours

Barcelona forward Pedro "wants to leave" the Camp Nou this summer, according to Luis F. Rojo of Marca. Rojo suggests "he will ask for a meeting with his club to tell them that he wants out" when the season concludes.

Liam Corless of the Mirror reported that Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in the Spaniard's signature. 

Corless provided quotes from Pedro, who seems to confirm Rojo's thinking. "I'm in a complicated situation," he said. "When the moment arrives, I will talk to the club."

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The situation Pedro finds himself in isn't going to get any easier. He is currently Barca's fourth-choice forward behind the established attacking three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. Although coach Luis Enrique started Pedro during the recent 4-0 win over Almeria, this was only due to Neymar needing a rest, as reported by Sky Sports.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Sam Tighe recently discussed just how good Barca's first-team attacking trident is:

Pedro grabbed an assist during the Almeria victory and highlighted why top clubs are rumoured to be interested in him.

He's made just 13 starts and 15 La Liga substitute appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, but has scored five goals and set up five. He has the capacity to achieve so much more, having netted 15 goals in the division during last year's spell under Gerardo Martino.

Rojo notes that while Pedro may ask to exit, it "does not necessarily mean that the player will indeed leave."

He continues by saying, "The only way that Barca will give Pedro his marching papers is if first a succulent offer comes in for him. Until that happens, the player will just have to put up and shut up."

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Barca's current transfer ban means they cannot sign a replacement until January 2016. Up to half a season without Pedro is risky if players pick up injuries or, like Neymar, need time to recoup some energy.

Stars such as Xavi Hernandez and Dani Alves also appear on the brink of departing, per Mark Doyle of Goal.com, so Enrique would be wise to ensure at least some squad ever-presents remain. Barca's transition period has decelerated due to the ban, so the old guard have taken on added importance.

WhoScored.com tweeted a reason why Pedro's talent can't be left to burn out on the Blaugrana bench:

Both Arsenal and Liverpool utilise speedy, technical wide forwards, so Pedro could slot in at either club. He provides a regular source of goals at his best, and at 27 years old, has the experience of winning every major trophy one could ask for.

A possible reunion with former Barca team-mate Alexis Sanchez could be interesting at the Emirates. Pedro's arrival would likely push out Theo Walcott, a player who continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool, as reported by David Woods of the Daily Star.

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Similarly, Pedro would be an excellent replacement for Raheem Sterling if he fails to sign a new deal at Anfield.

Woods believes the English duo could even be swapped, perhaps making a move for Pedro redundant.

Barcelona fans will most likely want the best for Pedro, who has proved to be a responsible servant. Always willing to give his all when provided the opportunity to shine, only the establishment of a world-class front three has seen his Catalan career fizzle out.

With a move elsewhere, he could spark into prominence once more.