Newcastle are interested in signing Pepe from FC Porto – a player who Arsenal are also said to be admirers of.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Esporte in Portugal who claimed that Eddie Howe is still tracking the FC Porto No.11 after seeing a bid rejected by the Portuguese giants back in the summer.
The Portuguese news outlet do not specify how much that offer was worth, although it is known that Pepe has a release clause worth €75m (£66m) written into his contract.
Newcastle face competition from Arsenal for the 25-year-old’s signature, according to another Portuguese news outlet in Record.
The Brazil Under-23 international has enjoyed an impressive season so far with three goals and six assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
Interestingly, Pepe has not been used in just one position this term – far from it.
The South American has remarkably played almost all over the pitch, appearing at right-back, left-back and also on both sides of the attack.
Pepe has even made five appearances as a centre-attacking midfielder.
Newcastle or Arsenal could land a gem in Pepe
In our view, Howe or Mikel Arteta could get themselves a serious talent in Pepe.
Yes, the Brazilian may be quite expensive with a £65m price tag on his head, although his incredible versatility and quality in each area make him a highly attractive target.
Pepe is the type of player who can win you titles, as he is able to slot in all over the pitch throughout a gruelling campaign, which will help Newcastle or Arsenal deal with injuries and squad rotation better.
In our view, the Magpies are more likely to sign Pepe than Arsenal, as Arteta has just completed a deal for a similar player in Leandro Trossard from Brighton.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Newcastle could soon make a move for the FC Porto sensation.
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