Newcastle United Set To Rival AC Milan For This Watford Forward: Good Option For Howe? | OneFootball

WATFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Joao Pedro of Watford is challenged by Maxime Colin of Birmingham City during the Sky Bet Championship between Watford and Birmingham City at Vicarage Road on March 14, 2023 in Watford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

In a recent report, The Athletic stated that Newcastle United are set to rival AC Milan for Watford forward Joao Pedro. It has been revealed that the Magpies are eyeing a move to secure the services of the Brazilian striker in the summer.

Pedro’s Impressive Run Of Form In English Football

Pedro is having a decent season at Vicarage Road after he put in a string of productive performances as the focal point of Watford’s attack. The former Fluminense youngster has been involved in 28 matches for the Hertfordshire outfit during this campaign, netting nine goals and grabbing a couple of assists in all competitions.

The 21-year-old has been a reliable performer in the final third based on his average of 1.4 tackles, 2.2 shots, 1.3 key passes and 3.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in the EFL Championship. However, he needs to improve his link-up play in the opponent’s half after completing 73.6% of his attempted passes in the second tier of English football (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at Watford is set to run out in 2028. Hence, it would take a big offer for Newcastle to recruit him in the summer.

WATFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 18: Joao Pedro of Watford shoots on goal during the Sky Bet Championship between Watford and Wigan Athletic at Vicarage Road on March 18, 2023 in Watford, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Is Joao Pedro A Good Option For Newcastle United?

Pedro usually works his socks off both and off the ball for his team. He is proficient at creating space for himself to get a few strikes in on-target. The Brazilian talent has got the vision to engineer a few inviting chances for his teammates on the attacking end of the pitch. He can also make a few dangerous runs with the ball but needs to be more consistent with his finishing in front of the opponent’s goal.

Pedro is primarily a centre-forward but can also fill in as a left-sided wide player if his manager asks him to do so.

We can expect Pedro to add more goals and creativity to Newcastle‘s frontline and offer some healthy competition for Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak at the Tyneside club in the coming seasons. At 21, the future is quite bright for the Brazilian sensation which makes him an ideal option for the Magpies to consider during this summer transfer period. However, only time will tell whether Pedro can maintain his good form in the Premier League if Eddie Howe can devise a way to land him soon.