Sky Sports Reporter Claims Liverpool Could Battle Chelsea to Sign £60m Striker | OneFootball

Joao Pedro Eyed as Potential £60m Nunez Upgrade Amid Liverpool’s Evolving Transfer Strategy

Liverpool’s summer transfer picture continues to evolve, and what once seemed like a blockbuster search for a marquee No.9 has subtly shifted. As Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports News reported, while a £100m forward had initially appeared to top the Reds’ list, that pursuit has slowed with interest in Florian Wirtz opening new strategic considerations. This doesn’t entirely shelve striker plans, but it does change the conversation.

The shift in priority is emblematic of a club recalibrating under the leadership of Arne Slot, fresh off his stunning Premier League title in his debut season. Budgetary constraints, or more likely redistribution of funds towards other key areas such as full-backs, mean that a high-value striker like Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney may no longer be a realistic target.

Joao Pedro Makes Sense for Liverpool

Amid this reshuffle, the name of Joao Pedro has resurfaced, and with good reason. The Brighton forward, still only 23, represents the kind of versatile, tactically intelligent player that fits Slot’s evolving system. As Dorsett reports, Pedro is now open to talks with Chelsea if a fee is agreed with Brighton, though no bids have yet been made. The magic number? Around £60 million.

Despite registering 10 fewer goals than the previous campaign, Pedro’s 17 goal contributions this season (including seven assists) underline a growing maturity in his game. His link-up play with the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh has elevated his all-round impact. As noted in the original report, Pedro now appears more polished, increasingly reminiscent of Roberto Firmino in the way he drops deep and contributes to build-up play.

“He has a bit of Roberto Firmino about him,” the report observes, “opting to drop deep occasionally to be involved in the build-up to goals, alongside finishing off chances when they fall his way.”

This hybrid capability—part creator, part finisher—is exactly what Liverpool have lacked at times with Darwin Nunez, whose raw output hasn’t consistently matched his potential or Liverpool’s tactical demands.

An English Football-Ready Prospect

Pedro’s Premier League experience is a considerable advantage. Unlike some of the continental prospects Liverpool have considered in recent windows, Pedro would not need a transitional bedding-in period. That is especially relevant as Arne Slot seeks to embed his high-tempo style into the squad further in his second season.

At £60m, Pedro’s fee represents relative value in a saturated market, particularly if Wirtz—or another unexpected opportunity—absorbs a large chunk of the club’s remaining transfer budget.

Dorsett makes an important caveat: “Chelsea will likely have first grabs on him,” but if Liverpool continue to monitor the situation and remain patient, there could be an opening later in the summer.

Competition From Manchester United

Manchester United are also reportedly ‘keen’ on Pedro, and although that interest doesn’t yet seem advanced, it adds another layer of complexity. Liverpool have been outbid before by Premier League rivals, so decisive action could be crucial here.

Pedro’s willingness to consider Chelsea does not preclude a move to Anfield, especially if Champions League football and a Premier League-winning project are on offer.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, Joao Pedro ticks many of the boxes that have frustrated fans watching Darwin Nunez’s inconsistency this past season. It’s not just about goals—although Liverpool need more of those from their No.9—but about composure, football IQ, and tactical cohesion. Pedro offers all three.

His development at Brighton, under managers who favour possession-heavy, progressive football, aligns with what Arne Slot is trying to build. Firmino comparisons aren’t thrown around lightly, but Pedro’s movement, unselfishness, and positional sense really do echo the Brazilian’s role during Liverpool’s peak under Klopp.

Supporters will rightly ask: why sell Nunez only to buy another Premier League striker who hasn’t yet scored 20 league goals in a season? The difference lies in style and ceiling. Pedro looks more adaptable, more in tune with how this Liverpool team wants to play, and less reliant on chaotic moments.

If the club can land him for £60m while securing reinforcements in defence and possibly midfield, it would look like another savvy window. But there’s risk too—Chelsea and Manchester United are circling, and if Liverpool dither, they could miss out.

For now, though, Pedro feels like the right move at the right time. Arne Slot may have just lifted the Premier League, but reinforcements like Pedro will be key to staying there.