5 Things To Know About Pepe: The Brazilian Winger Who Chelsea Are Reportedly Pursuing

A number of Portuguese newspapers have linked Chelsea with a move to sign Porto winger Pepe ahead of the transfer deadline.

The Blues are said to have enquired about the Brazilian’s availability over the past week, although no official bid has been made at this stage.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have been credited with an interest in a number of wide players over recent days (including Anthony Gordon, Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto), so it is not surprising that Pepe has also been considered.

Press the next page as we list five facts about the 25-year-old.

1) He Has Spent The Vast Majority Of His Career In Brazil

After coming through the ranks at Brazilian Serie D side Foz do Iguacu, he got his big move to Gremio ahead of the 2017 Brazilian Serie A campaign.

It took Pepe some time to make his breakthrough into the first team but he began to make a name for himself by 2019. Following two campaigns where he hit double figures for goals, he made the €15m switch to Porto.

2) Pepe Has Not Even Played A Full Season In Europe

The Brazilian started his first campaign at Porto as Luis Diaz’s understudy but, after the Colombian made the move to Liverpool, he began to emerge as one of the Portuguese club’s most important players.

From January onwards, Pepe racked up three goals and four assists in his final eighteen league appearances, and he has started this season strongly as well.

3) He Can Play In A Number Of Different Positions

Although ostensibly a winger, Porto boss Sergio Conceicao also deployed Pepe as a wingback and, on occasion, at fullback, demonstrating he could be very useful in Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-3 system.

The Brazilian’s favourite position, though, is on the left-hand side of a front three, cutting in to shoot and cross with his stronger right foot.

4) Pepe Has Been Linked With Other Premier League Clubs

Arsenal and Crystal Palace have both been mentioned as potential suitors for the former Brazilian Under 23 international in recent months.

However, both teams are believed to have been put off by Pepe’s valuation, with Porto not willing to lower demands after selling both Vitinha and Fabio Vieira this summer.

5) He Could Cost As Much As £59m

Porto are believed to be holding out for Pepe’s release clause, which currently stands at €70m (£59m). The main reason for that is likely because the Portuguese club owe 12.5% of the fee to his previous club Gremio.

Due to the 25-year-old’s steep asking price, it’s unlikely that Chelsea will sign him, in addition to someone like Anthony Gordon.

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