Premier League titans Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly both shown an interest in signing talented Los Angeles Galaxy winger Gabriel Pec.
The 23-year-old has been nothing short of a revelation for the MLS giants, who will take on the New York Red Bulls in Sunday's MLS Cup final for the right to be crowned champions of the United States.
From 40 appearances in all competitions this season, Pec has contributed a terrific 21 goals and 18 assists, scoring 16 of his own and setting up 14 more in 33 regular-season MLS affairs.
The Brazil Under-23 international has also had a direct hand in six goals in four playoff games - three of his own and three assists - although he was beaten to the MVP award by Inter Miami's Lionel Messi.
Pec only joined LA Galaxy from Vasco da Gama in January, commanding a fee of €9.3m (£7.7m) to leave the Brazilian side, and his contract does not expire until New Year's Eve 2028.
Arsenal, Liverpool among nine teams battling for Pec?
© Imago
LA Galaxy are seemingly already facing an uphill battle to retain Pec's services, though, as according to CaughtOffside, as many as nine teams have been running the rule over him.
Arsenal and Liverpool are said to have shown a strong interest in signing the South American attacker, who is most comfortable on the right but can also feature off the left and through the middle.
However, the Gunners and the Reds are just two of six Premier League sides in the mix, as Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are also understood to be monitoring developments.
In addition, Serie A giants Inter Milan and Napoli could provide stiff competition, as might La Liga powerhouses Atletico Madrid, and the report claims that Pec is seen as more of a future investment for Arsenal and Liverpool.
As a result, it is not clear whether the two sides plan to make a move in January or the summer, but a move for Pec would make sense for both Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot.
Why Liverpool, Arsenal cannot lose with Pec transfer
© Imago
The Premier League may be a different kettle of fish to MLS, but if so many top-level sides are keeping tabs on Pec's performances, they clearly feel that he has the attributes to thrive in Europe.
The Brazilian is being linked to Liverpool at a time when Mohamed Salah's situation remains clouded in uncertainty, and his current deputy - Federico Chiesa - is yet to hit the ground running due to injuries.
Meanwhile, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has lacked a genuine backup on the right-hand side all season long, as his two former lieutenants - Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson - both left on loan in the summer.
LA Galaxy can justifiably demand a bit more than the £7.7m that they paid for Pec over the winter, but the 23-year-old will not cost an astronomical amount and could be a low-risk signing for two sides in desperate need of more right-sided options.
Ben Knapton
