Arsenal Nicolas Pepe
Leeds United are thought to be interested in a move for Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe.
The Lowdown: Pepe’s Premier League struggles
Pepe, labelled as ‘perfect’ by Unai Emery, is Arsenal’s record signing after joining from Lille back in 2019 in a deal worth £72m.
However, the 27-year-old hasn’t lived up to the heights many expected at the Emirates, scoring just 27 times in 112 games to take his career goal tally for club and country to 83.
The Ivory Coast international made just five Premier League starts last season under Mikel Arteta, and it looks as if he could be on the move with two years remaining on his Gunners contract.
The Latest: Leeds links
According to Spanish outlet Diario de Sevilla, Leeds are one of the sides interested in signing Pepe this summer along with Sevilla, Lyon and Marseille.
The Whites reportedly view Pepe as a replacement for Raphinha and will need to cough up a fee in excess of €25m to secure his services.
The Verdict: Avoid?
Pepe is the latest attacking target to be linked with a move to Elland Road after Charles De Ketelaere, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Ben Brereton Diaz and Joaquin Correa.
Who would you prefer?
De Ketelaere
Kalimuendo
The Whites are very clearly after a new forward ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, but a move for Pepe, who Ezgjan Alioski hilariously trolled after his red card at Elland Road, may not be the best move.
He has struggled in England, is on big money and is primarily a winger, so Leeds could be better of pursing a player who is more naturally suited through the middle instead, rather than a man who struggled to make an impact or even control his temper when he visited Yorkshire.
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