Italian giants Juventus have made a bold move in the transfer market, submitting a £60 million bid for Brighton & Hove Albion forward João Pedro. However, the English club is reportedly reluctant to part ways with their star player for that amount, holding firm on a £70 million valuation.
### **Juventus Target João Pedro**
João Pedro, who joined Brighton from Watford in 2023, has quickly established himself as a key player for the Seagulls. With his versatility, pace, and goal-scoring ability, the 22-year-old Brazilian has drawn attention from several top European clubs. Juventus, looking to strengthen their attacking options, view Pedro as an ideal fit for their squad.
Sources close to Juventus indicate that the club sees Pedro as a long-term replacement for aging forwards and a crucial piece in their push for domestic and European success.
### **Brighton’s Stance**
Brighton, however, are in no rush to sell their prized asset. The club, known for their disciplined approach in the transfer market, has reportedly made it clear they will not entertain offers below £70 million.
Pedro has been instrumental in Brighton’s rise under manager Roberto De Zerbi, and the club sees him as a cornerstone of their continued success. With Brighton currently competing in both the Premier League and European competitions, they are determined to retain their top talent.
### **Negotiations Ongoing**
While Juventus are keen to strike a deal, it remains to be seen whether they will increase their bid to meet Brighton’s asking price. Talks between the clubs are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with both sides eager to reach a resolution before the transfer window closes.
### **Pedro’s Perspective**
João Pedro has not publicly commented on the speculation, but sources suggest he is open to the idea of playing for a club of Juventus’ stature. However, he remains committed to Brighton and focused on helping the team achieve their goals this season.
### **Expert Analysis**
Football analysts believe Brighton’s stance is justified, given Pedro’s age, potential, and impact on the team. “Brighton have consistently demonstrated their ability to extract maximum value for their players,” said one transfer expert. “If Juventus are serious about signing Pedro, they’ll likely need to come closer to the £70 million mark.”
### **Looking Ahead**
The situation is one to watch as the transfer window progresses. Will Juventus meet Brighton’s valuation, or will they look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements? Meanwhile, Brighton’s determination to keep their star forward sends a strong message about their ambitions to remain competitive at the highest level.
For now, João Pedro remains a Brighton player, but the allure of a move to Turin continues to loom large.
