Arsenal are seemingly searching for a new winger this summer – and are now turning to Porto winger Pepe as a potential signing.
It may sound ridiculous to think that Arsenal could sell Nicolas Pepe and replace him with Pepe, but that now sounds very possible.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola report that Arsenal are showing a keen interest in bringing Pepe to North London.
It’s stated that Pepe is one of the most popular names in Mikel Arteta’s office with Arsenal staff seemingly pushing him as a target.
The report notes that Pepe has become a more important player at Porto since Luis Diaz moved to Liverpool in January.
Pepe has a €60million (£51million) release clause in his contract so Porto are protected financially.
Pepe, 25, joined Porto from Gremio in 2021 and you would imagine that Edu knows all about the Brazilian winger.
Edu has a great knowledge of Brazilian talent and Pepe was outstanding for Gremio before his big move to Europe.
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Pep has bagged four goals and four assists in 27 league games for Porto this season but arguably came up with the biggest assist of all.
Porto faced rivals Benfica on Saturday, knowing that a win would secure the league title.
Pepe produced a blistering run in injury time, blazing down the right flank with no Benfica player able to catch him.
Pepe then crossed for Zaidu Sanusi to score, giving Porto a 1-0 victory whilst clinching the title in dramatic fashion.
Arsenal may well have been watching that sensational run from Pepe and are now keen to lure him to the Premier League.
With Nicolas Pepe likely to leave, Arsenal will need another winger; preferably one who can play on both flanks but won’t demand a starring role over Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka.
Pepe ticks those boxes for Arsenal but there will be a fear that Porto demand his full release clause given that he is under contact until 2026.
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