Arsenal ‘plot’ move for £66m winger as Leeds United ‘worried’ about facing Gunners amid injury concerns

This evening’s news headlines from Arsenal ahead of Premier League clash with Leeds Utd
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As Arsenal enter the final stages of a dramatic Premier League campaign, they are now starting to consider what could be a huge summer transfer window for them. The Gunners brought in the likes of Oleksander Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus last time and will be eager to keep up the quality of their arrivals.

One player the Gunners are said to be targeting is FC Porto’s Pepe. Globo Esporte has reported that the North London club could be preparing to match the winger’s £66 million release clause.

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Pepe joined Porto for only €15m two years ago and he has been one of the standout players in the Primeira Liga this season, claiming 13 goal contributions across all competitions for the Portuguese club. The 26-year-old is versatile and can play on both flanks as well as in the midfield and would provide great depth for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

However, Arsenal also face competition from Chelsea for his signature. The Blues already beat their London rivals to the signings of Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke but are now looking to add yet another winger to their ranks in Pepe.

The report also claims that Pepe has already received a £44m offer from an unnamed club, though it is unclear whether the bid came from either Arsenal or Chelsea. There has also been interest from across Spain and France too.

Meanwhile, Arsenal may have been handed a boost ahead of their clash with Leeds United this weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side will be eager to continue their winning streak in the Premier League and could benefit from the Whites’ long list of injuries.

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Javi Gracia has admitted the club have a ‘big problem’ and that he is ‘worried’ after suffering a triple injury blow. While Tyler Adams was already confirmed to be sidelined for much of the remaining matches, the Yorkshire outfit are also now likely to be without Max Wober and Willy Gnonto for their trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Wober has arguably been Leeds’ best defender since joining in January, while Gnonto has become one of the most talked-about youngsters in European football. The Italian has two goals and three assists to his name since making his senior debut in October.