Nicolas Pepe has emerged on Newcastle United’s radar as Eddie Howe continues to look for a wide forward to build his attack for next season.
According to 90 Min, Newcastle United are looking at Nicolas Pepe as an alternative to their expensive attacking targets, with the Ivorian available for a transfer away from Arsenal. Eddie Howe continues to consider bringing in a wide attacker, despite suffering setbacks in pursuit of primary targets.
Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new winger has run into multiple problems, as clubs and agents are inflating the costs of players. Eddie Howe is looking for a centre-forward and a wide player to shore up his attacking options, although the club are nowhere near bringing in one.
Moussa Diaby was their primary target until Bayer Leverkusen’s reported £50 million price tag was deemed excessive. The Magpies called off the chase and moved on to other targets on their radar. The French winger would have fit in perfectly, but the club do not consider spending heavily at this stage of their ongoing project.
The Magpies even considered a move for Jack Harrison and have already seen an offer rejected by Leeds United. The two clubs are well apart in their valuations of the former Manchester City starlet, who has continued to perform consistently for Jesse Marsch’s side.
Newcastle could be forced to switch their attention once again, and this time Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe is being mentioned as a possible alternative. The Ivorian has been deemed surplus to requirements by the Gunners, who seek a modest fee compared to what they paid for him three years ago.
Pepe remains Arsenal’s record signing to date, with the north Londoners having paid £72 million to Lille in 2019. After being a regular in the side for two years, the Ivorian was only a bit-part player last season, making 20 Premier League appearances, with the last of his five starts coming against Crystal Palace back in October.
Arteta does not count on Pepe to play next season and wants the club to find a solution. The Gunners would consider a reasonable offer for the Ivory Coast international, although Newcastle United would have to face competition from the likes of Everton and West Ham United.
The Gunners reportedly want around £25-30 million for their record signing, and the price tag could be well within the range of the Magpies. Whether they make a concrete offer for Pepe is another story, but he certainly fits their criteria for an electric, pacey wide man.