Former Teammate Backs Chelsea Star for Potential Arsenal Switch
Keinan Davis, a former Premier League forward, has publicly praised Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, stating he 'wouldn't be surprised' if the Brazilian international ended up joining London rivals Arsenal. Davis, who played alongside Pedro at Watford, highlighted the player's exceptional talent and character during a recent interview with talkSPORT.
Impressive Debut Season at Chelsea
Joao Pedro has enjoyed a remarkable first season at Stamford Bridge following his £60 million summer transfer from Brighton. He has scored 18 goals across all competitions, quickly establishing himself as the first-choice striker under managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. Initially expected to compete with fellow summer signing Liam Delap, Pedro's performances have surpassed expectations, particularly since January, where he netted 11 goals in his last 13 games.
This prolific run of form earned high praise from former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney, who hailed Pedro as the 'most in-form forward in the Premier League' ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with PSG. Despite a 5-2 defeat in that match, Pedro's impact has been undeniable, including a hat-trick in a crucial Premier League win over Aston Villa and a goal in the FA Cup victory against Wrexham.
Davis's Insight on Pedro's Potential
Reflecting on their time together at Watford, Davis emphasized Pedro's innate quality and confidence. 'You saw his quality in training,' Davis remarked. 'He's Brazilian, so he's just got that flair and belief in himself. He's a good guy as well—not disrespectful, just a top person. You could definitely see he could move on to make big steps.'
Davis, who has also played for Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and is currently with Udinese in Italy, suggested that a move to Arsenal would not be shocking given Pedro's abilities. This comes amid reports that Arsenal are seeking a new striker, with Viktor Gyokeres failing to fully impress despite scoring 15 goals this season.
Chelsea's Current Challenges and Future Prospects
Pedro's future speculation arises as Chelsea face significant challenges. The heavy Champions League defeat to PSG leaves them with a difficult task in the return leg at Stamford Bridge. Additionally, the team is focused on securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, with an upcoming match against Newcastle United critical for their Champions League hopes.
While Pedro's form has been a bright spot, his potential departure to a direct rival like Arsenal would mark a major transfer story. Davis's comments add fuel to the ongoing rumors, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football transfers and the high regard in which Pedro is held by his peers.
