La Liga outfit Sevilla has emerged as a potential suitor for wantaway Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe, according to Diario de Sevilla.
The Ivory Coast international looks braced for an exit after yet another disappointing season in North London.
Pepe made just 20 Premier League appearances last season, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta limiting the winger to a mere sum of 180 minutes of football since the turn of the new year.
After the capture of FC Porto’s Fábio Vieira and the failed pursuit of Leeds United’s Raphinha, the prospect of Pepe departing has edged itself closer with Arsenal ready to bite the bullet on their club-record signing.
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According to local media outlet Diario de Sevilla, Pepe has seen interest in him increase, with Sevilla themselves leading the way in the hunt for the former Lille man.
The Spanish outfit have reportedly held an interest in the forward since his days in Ligue 1, following up with fresh enquiries via Pepe’s new agent, whom he appointed just this summer.
The same report states that the Arsenal outcast has been made available for approximately £21 million, which presents a number of challenges to Sevilla.
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The La Liga side would first have to rid themselves of some certain elements within their bloated squad, already containing four wide men.
Sevilla would, secondly, have to find some form of middle-ground between Arsenal’s valuation and their own financial capabilities.
They are reportedly readying a £15 million bid, plus add-ons, for their target.
Lastly, Julen Lopetegui’s side will require Pepe to also give up a chunk of his elevated salary.
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The southerners are unable to match his current terms at Arsenal.
Sevilla aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 27-year-old, who’s able to count on Olympique Lyonnais and Leeds United as interested parties.
Diario de Sevilla goes on to claim that the latter are eyeing Pepe as a direct replacement for Raphinha, now Barcelona-bound.
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Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 for £72 million, making 80 league appearances and bagging 16 goals off the back of the move from Lille.
Pepe is one of a number of players expected to leave Arsenal this summer.
Pablo Mari, Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira and Hector Bellerin are also free to leave.
Leno is close to a move to Fulham, but the clubs remain some distance apart in their negotiations.
Topics: Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe, Mikel Arteta, Sevilla, Transfers
Patrick Ribeiro