Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on a deal for FC Porto winger Pepe.
According to a report from A Bola via Sport Witness, the Gunners have made an inquiry for the Brazilian winger, who is valued at €75 million.
The North Londoners currently sits at the top of the Premier League table and they are set to face Liverpool at Anfield over the weekend. A win on Sunday could make the Gunners outright favourites to win the title. Meanwhile, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is already planning for new signings in the summer, with a winger and midfielder considered essential.
West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is still their top priority. Arteta hopes to complete the signing quickly and move on to other important targets. The Spanish manager is looking for quality players who can improve his first-team squad and is expected to make only a few signings in the upcoming transfer window.
In addition to a winger and midfielder, the Gunners also need a right back and right winger to progress further. While they have signed Leandro Trossard to strengthen the left flank, they still need a reliable cover for Bukayo Saka on the other side.
Although FC Porto ace Pepe has been on their radar since last summer, Arteta did not feel compelled to make a move in the previous transfer windows. The Gunners are now considered one of the frontrunners, along with Chelsea, for the €75 million-rated winger.
The 26-year-old is a versatile player who often plays in the right-back position for Porto. However, the €75 million price tag may prove to be an obstacle, as the Gunners are unlikely to pay such a high amount for the South American.
While Arsenal have been linked with Pepe before, they may have moved away from similar targets. As a result, it is unlikely that Arteta will sanction a big-money move for the attacker.
