Leeds interested in signing Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe as transfer replacement for Barcelona-bound Raphinha
LEEDS are interested in signing Nicolas Pepe to replace Barcelona-bound Raphinha, according to reports.
Pepe, 27, is available for transfer at Arsenal after falling down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.
The Ivorian arrived at Emirates Stadium for £72million from Lille in 2019, but started just five Premier League games last term.
According to , Leeds are competing with Sevilla for Pepe's signature.
The Gunners are willing to accept a huge loss on the winger, slapping a £25m price tag on him.
Sevilla are hoping that Pepe will accept a reduction on his £100,000-a-week contract.
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Leeds are in the market for a right-sided attacker after agreeing to sell Raphinha to Barcelona for £58m.
Ironically, it was Raphinha who replaced Pepe at Lille in 2019 following the Arsenal star's switch to North London.
Pepe has made 112 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 27 goals and laying on 21 assists.
He only bagged three times last season but his game time was limited.
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Last term he found himself behind the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli in the pecking order - with Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos now also added to the mix.
Pepe was in pre-season action last week as Arsenal beat FC Nurnberg 5-3.
Leeds have already had a busy summer of their own.
Jesse Marsch's side have made SIX new signings - recruiting Brendan Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Darko Gyabi, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra for a combined £95m.
In addition to seeing Raphinha go, they have also lost star midfielder Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City.
