If you have asked Arsenal fans what the team had to fix a year ago, maybe they would have said a new player.

If you were to ask the same question to a fan today, they would say the same thing.

Mikel Arteta has helped transform Arsenal into one of the best teams in England over the past few years, but since Pierre Emerick Aubameyang left the club in 2022, they have been unable to sign a number 9.

However, this could change as recent reports have linked the club with a potential suitor Kai Havertz.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a latest report from Caught OffsideArsenal are one of several clubs interested in signing the Brighton & Hove Albion forward João Pedro.

As for the Gunners, Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly keen on signing the Brazilian, while Chelsea have also shown interest.

Interestingly, while the Seagulls have put an asking price of €70m - £58m - for the player, the report revealed that the North Londoners "plan to offer around €55-65 million", which translates to between £. 46m and £54m.

It would be an expensive and difficult move to get past that line, but given Pedro's potential, it's worth pursuing, especially since he could be an upgrade over Havertz.

How Pedro compares to Havertz

So, should Arsenal be successful in their pursuit of Pedro and land him a £54m fee, it seems unlikely that he will be on the bench.

Therefore, the Brighton ace will be in direct competition with Havertz for the starting spot, but who will take the lead?

Well, in terms of their raw output this season, it's a bit difficult, as the Germans did scored ten goals and provided two assists compared to Brazil four goals and three assists.

However, "fun" Seagulls ace, as they are called talent scout Jacek Kulighe has struck out in just ten appearances, which equates to an appearance per game of 1.42.

In comparison, the former Chelsea man has scored in 23 appearances, making his 1.91 goals per game a record low.

What about their starting numbers there? Who comes out on top when we look under the hood?

Surprisingly, he is a "crazy" ex-Watford star, like called Ben Mattinson expertthe one who leads, is at a distance from that.

For example, the 23-year-old excels in every important measure, including but not limited to unexpected and actual goals including assists, forwards and carries, shots and shots on target, goals in shots and shots on target. shoot and make goals, both at 90.

In the end, although Havertz is a great player and has been an asset to Arsenal, Pedro's statistics are high, impressive, and a weak point, so Arteta and Co should do their best to sign the Brazilian striker as soon as possible. .