Crystal Palace and Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Brazilian striker Pedro from Flamengo in the ongoing transfer window.
According to Italian publication Tutto Mercato Web, Crystal Palace and Fulham are among the clubs vying to sign 25-year-old striker Pedro from Brazilian club Flamengo this summer.
Pedro started his career at Brazilian outfit Fluminense and went on to score 20 goals in 58 matches before earning a move to Europe when he joined Fiorentina in the summer of 2019. However, after just four games for the Italians, the striker returned to Brazil, signing for Flamengo on loan in January 2020.
Pedro’s transfer to Flamengo was made permanent in January last year, and the 25-year-old has enjoyed a fairly decent career back in his homeland. To date, he has netted 46 goals and registered 12 assists from 123 games across all competitions.
Pedro’s revitalised form in Brazil has seemingly put him back on the radars of clubs in Europe. Newly-promoted Serie A side Monza are interested in the 25-year-old but will face competition from Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Crystal Palace have four options for the centre-forward role, in Jean-Philippe Mateta, Odsonne Edouard, Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke. However, none of them have been a consistent source of goals for the Eagles. Furthermore, Ayew and Benteke are in the final year of their respective contracts, with the latter likely to be sold.
So, a new centre-forward would be a good addition for Patrick Vieira’s side as they look to establish themselves as a top-half Premier League club after showing progress last season. As for Fulham, they are looking to shore up their squad and prepare themselves for a difficult campaign back in the top flight.
The Cottagers were relegated immediately after promotion last time out and would be intent on avoiding a similar fate this time. Aleksandar Mitrovic enjoyed a prolific campaign in the Championship, but his numbers in the Premier League do not inspire confidence. So, signing another striker to add more firepower to their ranks would make sense for Fulham.
To that end, Crystal Palace and Fulham are now looking at Pedro as a target. Although considering his lack of experience in European football, a move for the 25-year-old might not be the shrewdest move for either London club.
