Premier League giants Arsenal are reportedly set to battle rivals Liverpool for 19-year-old MLS sensation Ricardo Pepi.
According to Fichajes, Premier League giants Arsenal have joined the queue to land Liverpool target Ricardo Pepi, who continues to go from strength to strength in Major League Soccer.
Just 19, he has been with FC Dallas since 2019 and is steadily making a name for himself for both club and country. Pepi is enjoying an excellent campaign notching up 13 goals and two assists in just 28 games for Dallas. With three goals in four appearances for the USMNT, the youngster has shown he can thrive in the big leagues.
A pure centre-forward who can find the net with ease, Pepi has sensational potential and has his best years ahead of him. Not only is he a calm and composed finisher but also is a force to be reckoned with in the air. He has all the traits needed to be a target man who can hold up the ball.
In fact, his prowess in the penalty area has seen him compared to former Gunners star Robin van Persie. While the Dutchman may have rubbed some fans off the wrong way by joining Manchester United, his contribution at the Emirates cannot be questioned. Whether Pepi is the second coming of RVP remains to be seen.
Liverpool already have one of the best false nines in the world in Roberto Firmino. While Diogo Jota has proven to be a capable understudy, Jurgen Klopp’s side lacks a true forward. The Reds have gotten used to developing young promising talent and Pepi could be the latest name to move to Anfield.
He will hand Klopp the much-needed plan B and permit the German to mix it up. Pepi too could take his game to the next level by playing under a manager such as Klopp.
Arsenal are also in the same boat and in need of a new striker. Alexandre Lacazette’s contract is up next summer while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang isn’t getting any younger. Bringing in an infallible scorer should be high on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist.
Not only is Pepi an interesting player who can strengthen a position they need but also provides the Gunners with a project to develop. He will still need to iron out some chinks and also get used to the English way of play. However, given his limitless potential, a move for Pepi could work wonders for either Liverpool and Arsenal.
