Arsenal could reverse Barcelona transfer trend in winger swoop

2013/14 is set to be Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes’ final campaign at the club that created him and now it seems that Spanish international Pedro is pondering following suit, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the clubs on tenterhooks.

It would be a welcome reversal of a trend which has seen the Camp Nou outfit raid the Emirates on numerous occasions in the past.

The Gunners could be motivated to strengthen their squad in January, especially if they are beginning to lose ground in the title race.

Their meeting with Chelsea, for which the north London side are 11/8 favourites in Coral’s match betting, may well have to something to say on that particular matter.

Having previously intimated his openness to a potential move in the winter window, Pedro has again been quoted by the Daily Express as suggesting, mysteriously, that “things have to be evaluated every season.”

The cause of the heightened volume of the 26-year-old’s annual evaluations, may well be the downturn in his playing time precipitated by the arrival of Neymar and the excellent form of Alexis Sanchez.

Pedro has yet to start more than three consecutive games this season for Los Blaugrana.

Meanwhile he has watched the commencement of 10 of their 23 outings from the bench.

The 37-cap Spanish international’s abilities remain undulled however, as he notched a first-half hat-trick on his return to the XI against Getafe in the champions’ most recent fixture.

Despite suggesting that he may need to move, the Daily Express quotes Pedro as feeling “ very valued and loved” at Camp Nou and that his “only goal” is “to continue with Barca.”

Another potential barrier to prising the winger, who has notched 11 times this term despite his stuttering selection, away from Catalunya would be a sky-high release clause.

The host of European heavyweights who retain an interest in his talents could potentially have to match a release clause of £125m should Barcelona wish to play hardball over a potential deal.