A View From The Bridge

Transfer News: Chelsea to battle Arsenal for 25-year-old Liga NOS star

Arsenal and Chelsea are set to battle it out to sign Porto winger Pepe

According to the Sun (h/t Football.London), Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are set to battle it out to sign Brazilian winger Pepe, who is playing for Liga NOS outfit FC Porto.

The Gunners were interested in signing him in the summer transfer window as well but were put off by the high price value set by the Portuguese club. They ended up with adding youngster Marquinhos to their squad, who hasn’t seen meaningful playing time under manager Mikel Arteta.

As per Portuguese outlet A Bola (h/t Football.London), scouts have been monitoring the progress of the 25-year-old this season and have been impressed by his performances so far.

Arsenal and Chelsea to battle it out to sign Porto winger Pepe. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Porto are holding out for a fee of around £65m, which would trigger his release clause. He has a contract at the Dragao till the summer of 2027 (Transfermarkt) which gives the Dragons a lot of control over his future.

Pepe is a versatile player who can operate on either wing and also as an attacking midfielder if required. The former Gremio player has been at Porto since 2021.

During the first half of this season, the 25-year-old scored three goals and assisted five in 22 appearances in all competitions. He was used on either wing, as an attacking midfielder and mostly as a right-back.

So, the Brazilian is a team player who is happy to play and contribute to the team irrespective of the position he is playing. With regards to attributes, he possesses an abundance of pace, is good at dribbling, can create chances and is a willing worker off the ball.

Scouts have been impressed with Pepe’s performance this season. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea would need to quality to their wide attacking areas with the future of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech all but confirmed to be away from the club soon.

But a player who is yet to make himself a household name by the age of 25 may not warrant such a fee. The Blues have other areas of the field to fill gaps too. So, if they are to spend money on a player in this department, he should be of a higher level.

More Chelsea News:

But what do we know? Maybe Graham Potter and his staff like Pepe and are confident of getting the best out of him. It is up to them and the transfer committee now.

Mizgan Masani

Recent Posts

Chelsea star backed to make Old Trafford switch; ‘fresh opportunity’ on the cards

Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…

5 days ago

Chelsea star to push for Stamford Bridge exit; Manchester United keen

Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…

5 days ago

Chelsea are eager to make a massive move for Barcelona right-back

In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…

7 days ago

Chelsea unwilling to sanction sale of 10-goal star to Premier League rival

Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…

1 week ago

Chelsea lead the race for 23-goal European star to address striking woes

Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…

1 week ago

Chelsea shortlist two names as Maresca keen to strengthen one key area

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…

1 week ago