Pepe – Real Madrid – £25m
In order to challenge again at the top of the Premier League and in Europe , the Gunners really need to recruit a top-class centre-back and the Real Madrid enforcer should be a target this summer.
Wenger reportedly tracked Pepe back in 2011 before the defender signed his new contract with Madrid but the veteran’s manager interest seems to have waned since then despite the increasing need to add passion, undoubtedly ability and vital international experience to his side.
Manchester City are now understood to heading the pack, who are looking to raid Madrid for the 30-year-old Portuguese international, as new boss Manuel Pellegrini seeks to bolster his defence. The emergence of French youngster Raphael Varane at the Bernabeu has led to increased speculation that Pepe could depart this summer if the right offer is tabled.
The Gunners look short in defence but yet there has been no reported interest in the Real Madrid powerhouse whose £25m price-tag seems reasonable.
Club captain Thomas Vermaelen had a disappointing campaign at the Emirates while current first choice centre-back pairing Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have improved with time but still Wenger’s side lack any depth at the back, something that the highly-experienced Pepe would bring to the table.
Instead Wenger has targeted a move for Swansea City and Wales captain Ashley Williams as he looks to solve his defensive issues with Pepe probably ending up at the Etihad Stadium if Pellegrini gets his way.