Aleksandr Shikunov has called the possible transfer of Pedro to Saudi Al-Ahli a "fairy tale for Zenit". Commenting on an earlier ESPN report that the Saudi club is ready to pay €55 million for the player, Shikunov stated that Zenit needs to let the player go for such money. He added that the St. Petersburg team has other players in this position and there will be no problems with Pedro's departure, noting that Zenit has no irreplaceable players. Shikunov believes that if such an amount is offered, it is great because the transfer will justify the expenses as there are no European competitions. He questioned the point for Russian clubs to keep such players in Russia. He also expressed surprise that such "crazy money" is being offered for a player who is not the brightest in the RPL, but said that from "the Arabs, you can expect anything."

Al Ahli has opened talks with Zenit for former Corinthians player Pedro, a Brazilian winger, and is now preparing a proposal of approximately 55 million euros (R$ 352 million), as reported by ESPN. This is not the first time a club from Saudi Arabia has pursued the 19-year-old, as Al Ittihad had a previous bid of nearly 40 million euros rejected. Zenit is reportedly receptive to the negotiation, intending to reinvest a significant portion of the funds in talent from South America. Corinthians is set to receive only 2.5% of the total transfer amount through the solidarity mechanism, which is about 1.4 million euros (R$ 9 million), having previously sold their remaining 30% of the player's economic rights to the Russian club. The player's contract with Zenit is valid until the end of 2028, and his market value is currently estimated by Transfermarkt to be €12 million.