Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has emerged as the Premier League’s leading pre-season goalscorer, while Arsenal new boy Christos Tzolis tops the assists standings ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Joao Pedro finished Chelsea’s preparations with seven goals, putting him at the summit of the scoring chart as clubs gear up for the new Premier League season, which begins on Friday, August 21.
The Brazilian enjoyed an outstanding run of form, including a stunning hat-trick scored within nine minutes against Western Sydney Wanderers.
He also found the net twice against both AC Milan and Real Sociedad.
Aston Villa youngster Brian Madjo follows with five goals.
The 17-year-old also scored against Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, although he was absent from Villa’s final friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach amid injury concerns.
Nottingham Forest forward Igor Jesus and Crystal Palace midfielder Matheus Franca both registered four goals during pre-season.
Jesus scored all four of his goals in July and was not involved in Forest’s meeting with Stade Brestois 29, while Franca hit a hat-trick against Swindon Town.
With the new season just days away, the pre-season statistics provide an early indication of the players who could enter the campaign in impressive scoring and creative form.
| Rank | Player | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | João Pedro | CHE | 7 |
| 🥈 2 | Brian Madjo | AVL | 5 |
| 🥉 3 | Matheus França | CRY | 4 |
| 4 | Igor Jesus | NFO | 4 |
| 5 | Evanilson | BOU | 3 |
| 6 | Justin Kluivert | BOU | 3 |
| 7 | Igor Thiago | BRE | 3 |
| 8 | Eddie Nketiah | CRY | 3 |
| 9 | Thierno Barry | EVE | 3 |
| 10 | Dominic Calvert-Lewin | LEE | 3 |
| 11 | Lukas Nmecha | LEE | 3 |
| 12 | Bryan Mbeumo | MUN | 3 |
| 13 | Arnaud Kalimuendo | NFO | 3 |
| 14 | Enzo Le Fée | SUN | 3 |
| 15 | Richarlison | TOT | 3 |
Tzolis Leads Pre-Season Assist Chart
Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis has recorded the most assists among Premier League players during pre-season, with six to his name.
The Greek attacker produced two assists during Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City and also received a “Fantasy assist” after winning a penalty against Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo is second with five assists from four appearances, while Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia has four.
Other players to register three assists include Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison, Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens, Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Tottenham’s Mathys Tel.
| Rank | Player | Club | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Christos Tzolis | Arsenal | 6 |
| 🥈 2 | Antoine Semenyo | Manchester City | 5 |
| 🥉 3 | Emiliano Buendia | Aston Villa | 4 |
| 4 | Daniel Jebbison | Bournemouth | 3 |
| 5 | Jamie Gittens | Chelsea | 3 |
| 6 | Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Everton | 3 |
| 7 | Morgan Gibbs-White | Nottingham Forest | 3 |
| 8 | Mathys Tel | Tottenham | 3 |
With the opening fixtures approaching, Joao Pedro and Tzolis will be hoping their impressive pre-season numbers translate into strong performances when competitive action begins.
