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Arsenal weighing up a move for Porto star Pepe

By Ritayan Chatterjee on December 7, 2022

Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a move for FC Porto midfielder Pepe, as per the Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness).

The 25-year-old joined the Liga Portugal giants during the summer of 2021 from Gremio for a fee of around £12m. The midfielder enjoyed a decent season at the Estadio do Dragao so far this term before the start of the Qatar World Cup, scoring twice and notching up four assists in 13 league appearances.

The north London club are likely to remain busy in the January window and they have already been linked with several options ahead of the market’s opening.

Meanwhile, Sport Witness cites and translates the print version of A Bola as saying that Arsenal are showing interest in signing Pepe in the upcoming transfer window and they have been left ‘with their mouths open’ whilst scouting the South American.

The report further claims that Porto don’t want to let their star man leave and are keen on keeping hold of him. However, if the Gunners were to formalise their interest in signing the 25-year-old then they would be needed to activate his release clause – which is around £65m.

Pepe to Arsenal

The report also says that Arsenal are set to face a tough challenge to sign the South American in the upcoming transfer window as London rival Chelsea and Serie A giants Juventus are also pondering a move for the Porto star.

Pepe is a versatile player who can play on both wings. He can also be deployed in the right-back role as he was used there on several occasions, during the last term, by the Porto boss Sergio Conceicao.

Mikel Arteta is seemingly looking to reinforce the flanks this January and Pepe would be an excellent acquisition. However, the reported £65m price tag appears to be way too high. Although the Porto man would be a shrewd addition to Arteta’s squad, the huge valuation could prevent the Gunners from getting this deal over the line.

Therefore, it is looking highly unlikely that Arsenal would be able to broker a deal for Pepe this January unless the Portuguese giants agree to lower their valuation.