Real Madrid are reportedly keeping tabs on 23-year-old Brazilian winger Pepe, who is carving out quite the reputation for himself at Gremio.
According to a report from Spanish publication Defensa Central, reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid are interested in Gremio’s Brazilian attacker Pepe and could make a move for him in the near future.
23-year-old Pepe has been with Gremio since 2016 and has grown into a key player for the Brazilian outfit over the years. So far, he has accumulated 103 appearances for the club, producing a handy return of 24 goals and 13 assists in the process.
Pepe enjoyed quite a productive 2020 campaign, as he bagged 12 goals and 8 assists from 40 appearances in all competitions. Able to play on either flank, he is known for his dribbling and his finishing capabilities. The winger has represented the Brazil U-23 team six times since making his debut last January but is yet to make it to the senior setup.
Pepe’s progress over the past year has been closely tracked by Real Madrid, who hare now considering a move for the winger, having received glowing reports on the winger. It is claimed that chief scout Juni Calafat is the driving force behind Los Blancos‘ interest in the 23-year-old.
Real Madrid have had some great Brazilian players represent them over the years with the likes of Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Kaka among them. Of late, the Merengues have turned their focus towards bringing in young jewels from the Brazilian market, having signed Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Reinier Jesus in recent windows.
It must be noted that it was Calafat who convinced Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to splash the cash on the Brazilian trio and could once again repeat the trick with Pepe. However, the La Liga champions aren’t the only club monitoring the Gremio star, with Sevilla and Porto also said to be interested.
Los Blancos could be in need of a winger next season as Lucas Vazquez is out of contract in the summer and has reportedly turned down an extension. Given the potential Pepe has shown so far in his career in Brazil, he might prove to be a handy addition for the Spanish capital outfit.
However, Pepe is contracted with Gremio till December 2024, which puts the Brazilian outfit in a strong negotiating position. And, any move for the winger might have to wait till Real Madrid get their wage bill under control and offload some of the unwanted players, such as Isco.
