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Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs interested in Porto star Pepe, though the forward has a huge release clause in his contract.
THE LOWDOWN: WINTER WINDOW PREPARATIONS
Arsenal and Chelsea could remain active in the January transfer window, for both clubs need quality signings to continue their season. The Gunners are currently leading the charts in the Premier League, while the Blues have fallen to the eighth position.
Mikel Arteta has built a good squad from the last few transfer windows, and their starting eleven looks solid. But Arsenal lack quality in depth, and the manager could use the January transfer window to add and make the team stronger for the second part of the season.
They need players that can elevate the quality of their squad and bring in stars that can change games with their presence. Mykhaylo Mudryk is Arsenal’s prime target, but the Ukrainian winger is set to cost a lot of money. The Gunners seem adamant about getting a transfer done but may not sign him.
THE LATEST: ARSENAL SET SIGHTS ON PEPE
Arsenal are also keen on Porto star Pepe. The 25-year-old has come to the fore since the departure of Luis Diaz last January. Since the Colombian’s exit, Pepe got tasked with much more responsibility to influence play in the final third.
According to Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the teams tracking Brazilian star Pepe in the January window. The FC Porto winger will be an expensive acquisition considering there’s a €75 million release clause in his contract that is valid until 2027.
The highly-rated Brazilian winger has done enough to grab the attention of both Premier League heavyweight sides. In the current campaign, the winger has six goal contributions in 13 league appearances. When he signed a new deal recently, Porto decided to improve his release clause, which now stands at €75 million. Chelsea are keen on the winger and could open talks with the Portuguese outfit.
THE VERDICT: NO NEED TO GO ALL OUT
Pepe will make for a great buy but at that price, it is unlikely Arsenal will consider paying that amount in a winter window. To go with, Porto might also prove overly stubborn, especially with Chelsea in the mix.
The Blues are more desperate for signings at the moment and with their recent drop in form under Graham Potter, they will be more active in the chase for Pepe.
