{
  "id": 6106326,
  "title": "Why Mikel Arteta blocked Arsenal’s move to sign Joao Pedro",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/why-mikel-arteta-blocked-arsenals-move-to-sign-joao-pedro",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T04:56:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/07/why-mikel-arteta-blocked-arsenals-move-to-sign-joao-pedro/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During the summer transfer window, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted against signing Chelsea striker Joao Pedro for the Gunners. According to BBC Sport, Pedro was on Arsenal's list of potential transfer targets, but the club ultimately decided not to pursue an official offer. Arteta showed some interest in signing a new striker after Viktor Gyokeres' inconsistent first season at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were also considering other options, with Julian Alvarez also on their list. However, Atletico Madrid forward Pedro was hesitant to return to the Premier League, preferring a move to Barcelona. Arsenal officials reportedly showed interest in Pedro following his impressive first season at Stamford Bridge, where he scored 20 goals across all competitions and has netted two goals in his first four matches of the current season. Nevertheless, Arteta was reportedly 'concerned' about the Brazilian's ability to adapt to his system, leading to the decision to abandon the pursuit of Pedro.",
  "summary": "Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta blocked the Gunners from signing Chelsea striker Joao Pedro during the summer transfer window. Pedro, according to BBC Sport, was on Arsenal’s list of potential transfer targets, but the club ultimately chose not to pursue an official offer. Arteta was receptive to the idea of signing a new striker following Viktor […] Why Mikel Arteta blocked Arsenal’s move to sign Joao…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Arteta confident Arsenal can perform higher than last season",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/arteta-confident-arsenal-can-perform-higher-than-last-season",
        "published": "2026-09-07T07:34:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}