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Arsenal linked with a move for Porto midfielder Pepe

By on August 11, 2022

pepe porto

Arsenal are reportedly showing interest in FC Porto’s versatile midfielder Pepe, as per the report in Portuguese outlet A Bola (via the Daily Mail).

The Gunners haven’t been shy to spend big in recent years. After spending around £140m last summer, Mikel Arteta’s side have already invested around £115m this summer.

Meanwhile, if recent reports are considered to be true then Arsenal aren’t ready to halt their transfer business yet and are keen on adding more firepower to their squad.

According to a report in the print version of A Bola (via the Daily Mail), Arteta’s side have already held discussions with Porto regarding a possible transfer of Pepe, while negotiating a deal for Fabio Viera earlier this summer.

The Portuguese side informed Arsenal that they will need to pay around £60m in order to sign the Brazilian this summer. However, the Emirates club weren’t keen on matching that figure and only offered around £25.5m.

Porto rejected Arsenal’s initial offer immediately. However, the report suggests that the Gunners haven’t given up on this deal yet and are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days.

Pepe to Arsenal:

Pepe is a versatile midfielder who can play on both flanks and in the middle of the park. He was also deployed in the right-back position by Porto boss Sergio Conceicao last term.

So, I think the 25-year-old will be a shrewd purchase for Arteta’s side. The Gunners need strengthening in their attacking and midfield departments and the Brazilian can be an apt acquisition, given he would provide Arteta with plenty of options.

Meanwhile, Arsenal struggled with their right-back situation while Takehiro Tomiyasu was out injured last season. Ben White started in that position last game against Crystal Palace due to the Japanese’s absence and did well against Wilfried Zaha, however, his preferred position is to play at centre-back.

Pepe can slot in the right-back position as well when needed, so he’d be an ideal addition to the squad. However, the reported £60m asking price is way too high so Porto will need to lower their expectations if a deal is to be done.

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