Arsenal and Newcastle have both “tried” to snap up Porto winger Pepe this summer, according to A BOLA.

The Portuguese tabloid claims that approaches from the two Premier League clubs were knocked back, with Porto president Pinto da Costa telling them they must match the player’s €70m (£60m) release clause.

After already signing Fabio Vieira from the Portuguese champions, it appears the Gunners were willing to make a second raid on the club as they seek to reinforce their forward options.

Technical director Edu is clearly on the lookout for a winger, demonstrated by the club’s interest in Leeds’ Raphinha, and it seems as though another Brazilian has been identified as a potential alternative.

Confusingly, Pepe would probably have been brought in to replace Nicolas Pepe, with Arsenal’s record signing reportedly deemed surplus to requirements. As things stand, though, the Ivorian doesn’t have any offers to leave the Emirates, while Porto are standing firm on their stance to keep their player as well.

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