VERBAL AGREEMENT REACHED: Arsenal on the VERGE of completing £65M deal for South American star player – player already has champions league experience
Arsenal are reportedly contemplating a swoop for FC Porto midfielder Pepe this summer, as per the Portuguese outlet A Bola.
It looks likely that the Gunners will once again be busy in the next transfer window as it is believed that Mikel Arteta wants to continue strengthening the squad in order to compete on all fronts next season.
Midfield is an area that the Spanish boss is keen on reinforcing and the north London club have already been linked with numerous options ahead of the summer window with Pepe now emerging as a potential target.
It has recently been reported that Arsenal have already opened talks with the player’s representatives over a potential summer move and the Emirates club are ready to spend £44m to sign the Brazilian.
However, while citing and translating the print version of A Bola, Sport Witness says that Porto won’t accept the reported £44m to sell the 26-year-old and they are demanding £67m – which is the player’s release clause.
Pepe to Arsenal
But, the report also says that Porto need to raise £44m from player sales and they could cash-in on the Brazilian to balance their books. Pepe is keen on testing himself in the Premier League so a summer move to the Emirates Stadium could be on the cards for the South American.
However, A Bola claims that signing the 26-year-old won’t be a walk in the park for the north London club as city rivals Chelsea are also plotting a swoop for him this summer.
Arteta likes to sign versatile players who can be deployed in different positions and Pepe would be an ideal option. He can play anywhere across the attacking midfield positions but also has the ability to slot in at the right-back as well.
The midfielder is technically sound, can play threading passes between the lines, works extremely hard without possession, has an eye for scoring goals and also can create chances for the attackers.
Pepe would be an excellent signing for Arsenal if they decide to push forward and broker this deal, however, the reported £67m fee seems highly inflated and unrealistic. So, it is going to be tough for Arsenal to get this deal done if Porto stay firm on their valuation.
