Leeds target Nicolas Pepe would be a decent replacement for Raphinha, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Jesse Marsch is hoping to add another wide player to his squad following the Brazilian’s departure to Barcelona, and the Arsenal star has emerged as a surprise option for the American boss.
What’s the latest news involving Pepe?
According to Diario de Seville, Leeds are in direct competition with Sevilla to land the Gunners flop, who’s failed to live up to expectations since his £72m move from Lille.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
Pepe arrived on the back of an impressive season in Ligue 1, where he scored 22 top-flight goals, but he’s been unable to replicate that type of form in the Premier League.
Therefore, Leeds are hoping to offer him a lifeline, and the report states that he could be available for just £25m, with that fee unlikely to be a problem considering they just received £58m from Barcelona for Raphinha.
When was Elland Road first built?
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Despite his struggles in the Premier League, Pepe has still managed 27 goals and 21 assists across all competitions at Arsenal, and Jones reckons he could step up to the plate in place of Raphinha.
What did Jones say about Pepe?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I do like the Pepe one and I do think he needs a new environment.
“As a Raphinha-type figure to come into your squad and replace him, I could think of worse options than Pepe, and I think he could do well.”
What went wrong for Pepe last season?
Having ended the 2020-2021 campaign in excellent goalscoring form, netting five goals in his final three Premier League outings, the Ivory Coast international looked set for a big season under Arteta.
But Arsenal’s dreadful start, which saw them lose their opening three matches, coincided with Pepe losing his place in the team.
And after playing 90 minutes against Crystal Palace in October, he wouldn’t start another league game from then on in, with the form of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe keeping him out of the team.
As a result, Football.London reckon that Pepe wants to leave north London this summer, and Leeds could offer him a way out of the Emirates and a chance to get his career back on track in a less pressured environment.
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https://www.givemesport.com/88035736-leeds-could-land-next-raphinha-in-73-goal-star-at-elland-road
