Newcastle United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign struggling Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe this summer.
According to 90 min, Newcastle United have been offered the opportunity to purchase Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe for a cut-price fee this summer. The Ivory Coast international has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates, and the north Londoners are eager to sell him this summer.
Following the additions of Nick Pope and Sven Botman, the Magpies have been searching to add more firepower to their frontline. But, so far, they are yet to crack a deal. Newcastle were believed to be looking at Moussa Diaby this summer but have since been priced out of a deal to sign the Frenchman, who looks set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for the upcoming campaign.
While Newcastle have realigned their radars towards local talent and have been seeking moves for Leeds United’s Jack Harrison and Everton’s Anthony Gordon, both deals look to have stalled recently, with the Toon encountering inflated prices.
With the clock ticking this summer, 90min has now revealed that a host of top clubs’ outcasts have been offered to the Tyneside outfit by agents and intermediaries in recent weeks, with the Magpies currently considering the names that have been directed their way.
The latest name consistently popping up on Newcastle’s rumour mill and also mentioned in the report is that of Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe. The Ivorian is staring at an uncertain future at the Emirates, with the Gunners prepared to let him leave if they are able to find an appropriate replacement this summer.
Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 for a club-record £72 million fee from Lille with the highest of expectations due to his success in Ligue 1. However, the Ivory Coast international has failed to justify the astronomical price tag the Gunners paid to sign him. He has made 80 Premier League appearances, scoring just 16 goals across his three seasons at Arsenal.
Last season, Pepe dropped down the pecking order at the Emirates, starting only five Premier League games. And according to recent reports, the struggling attacker is set to be moved on by the Gunners in this window, despite the winger himself stating that he is “determined” to make things work at Arsenal.
Pepe is seen as an attainable target for Newcastle this summer, with Arsenal willing to take a massive loss on the ex-Lille man. A £25-30 million bid would be an acceptable sum, fitting within the Magpies’ leftover budget as they try to bring in both a winger and a new striker. An explosive attacker who is known for his pace, dribbling skills and aerial ability, Pepe might be a good fit if Newcastle can iron out a deal on favourable terms.
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There is no denying that he would be a bit of a gamble for Newcastle, but his underlying numbers remain promising despite the lack of minutes. The 27-year-old is a tricky winger who would have something to offer Eddie Howe’s side if he does make a switch to St. James’ Park.