Arsenal should avoid signing Joao Pedro after training altercation with Brighton teammate
Arsenal are interested in recruiting the services of Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro this summer as they look to bolster their attacking ranks in preparation for next season, but they may need to change their minds following recent reports.
The 23-year-old was excluded from the matchday squad that faced Liverpool on Monday following a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, according to The Athletic.
Such a player is the last addition Gunners manager Mikel Arteta wants to add to his team after the good job he has done since his appointment.
The Spaniard has helped his Arsenal squad build a formidable bond, and he cannot afford to sign a player who will disrupt the existing camaraderie.
Pedro was available for selection against the Reds having returned from a three-game suspension for the red card he picked up against Brentford a month ago, but he was dropped due to the training ground incident.
It took place during the week building up to Brighton’s Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on May 10, but Van Hecke featured against Liverpool, playing the whole game.
The Arsenal target was at fault from the look of things, and while training ground fights are commonplace, the fact that Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler opted to drop his highest goalscorer in the Premier League this season for such an important game speaks volumes.
The Brazilian has anger issues as his red card against the Bees was for an unnecessary off-the-ball incident with Nathan Collins.
Arsenal have had their own share of red cards this season, and signing someone who will likely get sent off regularly for violent conduct is not advisable given their desire to cut out such issues going forward.
Pedro has ten goals and six assists in 27 league games this term and will be a good buy as he has the quality and versatility the Gunners need in an attacker, but he clearly has temper issues and they better steer clear.
