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According to various reports, Newcastle United are looking to sign Arsenal’s club-record signing Nicolas Pepe in the summer transfer window.
THE LOWDOWN: NEWCASTLE’S SPENDING SPREE
According to Dean Jones on GiveMeSport, Newcastle United are planning to make a considerable number of signings, with an interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Ismaila Sarr.
In the midst of the rumours, Arsenal’s Ivorian winger, Pepe, has suddenly emerged as a target, along with Burnley’s Dwight McNeil. Newcastle see Pepe’s signing as an ‘attainable’ one this summer. Reports suggest Arsenal are looking to cut their loss, setting a £25m price on the player they signed £72m only three years ago from Lille.
However, the Magpies are not the only team that have been reported as potential destinations for Pepe, with Sevilla also looking at the possibility of signing the winger. Newcastle have prioritized the signing of a versatile forward, and have also been heavily linked with Jack Harrison from Leeds United and Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen.
THE LATEST: PREPARED BID AND A HICCUP
According to a report in the Sun from Diario de Sevilla, a local newspaper in Sevilla, they claim the Spanish team have ‘made initial contact’ and presented a transfer fee worth ‘around £15m plus add-ons’.
The fee might not be the only hindrance to the deal, as Sevilla have also asked that Pepe reduce his salary. The winger is currently on £140,000 per week at Arsenal. Given the financial constraints on most La Liga teams, the wage is expected to reduce significantly.
However, Sevilla must act fast on signing Pepe, as Newcastle can potentially offer more in terms of finances. The English club went on a £91m spending spree during the winter transfer window, and are expected to spend more this summer.
THE VERDICT: ARSENAL MUST CUT THEIR LOSS
Arsenal signed Nico Pepe for £72m in 2019, but he has failed to establish himself at the club. He was limited to 23 appearances last season, with most appearances being in the final minutes of games.
Mikel Arteta clearly doesn’t trust him enough to handle the responsibilities asked of him. Bukayo Saka has made that position his own and doesn’t seem to be backing down anytime soon. Arsenal must cut their loss and take whatever they can get on his transfer.
Getting his £140,000 per week wage of the book will free finances and squad space for new signings.
