Arsenal have enquired about FC Porto’s 26-year-old winger Pepe as they could rekindle their interest in the €75 million-rated star.
According to A Bola via Sport Witness, Arsenal reportedly submitted an enquiry for Brazilian winger Pepe. The €75 million-rated FC Porto star had caught the attention of the Gunners previously, with fresh suggestions hinting at Mikel Arteta rekindling his interest.
Arsenal are on top of the Premier League and take on Liverpool at Anfield at the weekend. The Gunners could become outright favourites to win the title with a win on Sunday. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta is already planning on new transfers in the summer, with a winger and midfielder considered imperative.
Declan Rice remains their primary objective, and Arsenal are confident about signing the West Ham star. Arteta hopes to swiftly complete the signing and move on to other essential targets. The Gunners boss seeks quality players that improve his first-team squad and will likely make only a few signings in the window.
They also need a right back and a right winger to progress further. They did sign Leandro Trossard to shore up the left flank but sought a viable competitor/cover for Bukayo Saka on the other side. Options like Moussa Diaby have been mentioned, but the club will likely look at other options.
FC Porto star Pepe has been on their radar since last summer, but Arteta did not feel like making a move in the previous two windows. The Gunners are mooted as front runners for the €75 million-rated Brazilian winger, along with Chelsea, who are also keen.
Pepe has versatile features in his game, as he often plays in a right-back role for Porto. Arsenal may consider his signing exciting and use his different qualities at various stages of the season. However, the €75 million-rated price tag may prove problematic, as they are unlikely to pay such a price for the Brazilian.
Incidentally, the €75 million tag also represents the release clause in his contract. Considering Pepe’s numbers comprise four league goals this season, Arsenal may back away if his asking price does not change. The report insists Porto must raise at least €50 million from sales, and the Brazilian winger’s deal could prove good.
Arsenal were linked before but may have moved away from similar targets. Hence, the chances of Arteta sanctioning a big money move for the Brazilian seem unlikely.
