Arsenal have become interested in signing Porto winger Pepe as a potential replacement for current forward Nicolas Pepe, according to a report.
The Ivorian has struggled to hit the ground running since arriving at the Emirates Stadium for around £72m from Ligue 1 side Lille in August 2019, scoring 27 goals in 110 games across all competitions.
Doubts around the 26-year-old's future at the Gunners have begun to increase this season, and with rumours that Arsenal will look to cash in this summer, it is likely that a replacement will be required.
This has led to interest in Pepe from Porto, according to A Bola, with the Portuguese outlet reporting that the winger's £43m release clause is expected to be triggered in the upcoming transfer window.
The 25-year-old joined the Primeira Liga champions from Gremio for around £13.5m last summer, and has gone on to make 40 appearances this season, netting six goals and registering five assists.
However, much of the Brazilian's impressive displays have arrived since Luis Diaz left the club to join Liverpool in January, with Pepe stepping up to cover the loss of the Colombian in recent months.
Matthew Tranter
