Arsenal target Pedro snubs move to the Premier League by signing long-term Barcelona deal

Pedro Rodriguez has surprisingly committed his future to Barcelona with a new long-term contract until 2019 despite being expected to leave the club this summer after barely playing following the arrival of Luis Suarez from Liverpool.

Having only started 15 La Liga games this season due to the unmovable presence of Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar in the Catalan line-up, recent reports in Spain claimed he was ready to leave the club to play in the Premier League.

Pedro recently expressed his frustration about the situation while admitting offers and suggesting he could move somewhere else in the summer to secure more playing time.

"It's obvious that it's difficult to nail down a place in the team. I have had few opportunities this season but I have to wait and when they do come, take advantage of them. I'm going through a difficult moment in the team. I'll evaluate my future at the end of the season and I'll speak to the club," Pedro said.

"It is a difficult situation for me right now. But I will be patient until the end of the season to make my decision on what to do next. I know there are clubs interested in me, which is a compliment, but I will evaluate where I stand in June."

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool were said to be closely monitoring the situation as, with his contract at the club set to expire in June 2016, Barcelona were reportedly ready to sell him at the end of the season to avoid losing for free.

The Spaniard was reportedly close to a move to Arsenal in the summer of 2014 with Luis Enrique blocking his departure at the last minute, instead allowing Alexis Sanchez to join the Gunners.

Spanish newspaper AS claimed with Pedro's situation at Barcelona getting worse, Chelsea, United and the Gunners were again monitoring the situation and that the player was especially keen on playing under manager Arsene Wenger.

In April, Marca claimed Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho also added Pedro to his shopping list and he was ready to replicate the chase that saw Cesc Fabregas move to the west London club due to his unhappiness at the Camp Nou.

The reports claimed the La Liga champions were ready to part ways with the Spain international for as little as £14.6m but Pedro has committed his long-term future to the club, even though his playing situation is unlikely to improve next season.

The Catalan club confirmed: "FC Barcelona has announced that they have reached an agreement with Pedro Rodríguez to renew his contract until 30 June 2019. The striker's current contract was due to expire on 30 June 2016.

"His buyout clause will remain at €150m. The Canary Islander will be signing the new deal over the next few days."