FC Porto winger Pepe is reportedly ‘very coveted’ by Arsenal, as the Premier League leaders weigh up whether to make a move for him this month.
It seems as if a deal to bring Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk to the Emirates Stadium is stalling, given reports that London rivals Chelsea have recently held talks over his potential signing.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein added that the Gunners could even look to bring forward a loan move for Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix ahead of Mudryk if his price comes down, before then going back in for the Ukraine international.
As per Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), Pepe is ‘very coveted’ by both Arsenal and Chelsea as well, despite him recently losing his starting place at Porto.
The winger, who is now being used as a full-back, is protected by a €75m (£66.5m) release clause, but that could come down in this transfer window given his situation.
Signing Mudryk should still be the priority for Mikel Arteta‘s side, despite their interest in Pepe.
Lauded by Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell as a player who would be “devastating” in the Spaniard’s system , the 22-year-old is enjoying an outstanding breakthrough season in Ukraine, scoring ten goals and supplying a further eight assists in just 18 matches across all competitions, including five goal contributions in the Champions League (Transfermarkt).
Given the injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson, the Gunners are in need of more cover in attacking areas, and Mudryk would be perfect in that regard.
They could still pursue a deal for Pepe too, but they should wait until the summer if they want to sign the Brazilian and instead prioritise the Shakhtar gem.
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