Pundit issues ‘magnificent’ claim as Leeds United in race to sign Nicolas Pepe
Frank McAvennie insists that Nicolas Pepe is a “magnificent” player on his day but would not be able to handle the pressure of playing at Leeds United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker claims that Pepe isn’t consistent enough to play for a team that could be at risk of relegation.
According to Spanish outlet Diario de Sevilla (14 July), Leeds are rivalling Sevilla for the 27-year-old’s signature.
The Spanish club are only willing to pay £15million with Arsenal believed to want at least £25m for the forward.
The Ivory Cost international has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates after joining the Gunners in 2019 for a fee of around £72m.
When asked if he thought Pepe could fit in at Elland Road, McAvennie told Football Insider: “He’s blowing hot and cold Pepe, do you want that at Leeds?
“If he doesn’t do it in a team like Arsenal who are top half of the table and have been since he’s been there.
“Arsenal had been under a wee bit of pressure last season because of some of the performances and if he thinks that’s pressure, when he goes to Leeds he’ll know what pressure is. They demand it every game. They want to stay in the Premier League, that’s what the fans want.
“Bringing in somebody like Pepe, he’s a talent but he doesn’t do it enough. He’s a player that’s had a big drop. When he came in he was magnificent but sometimes you forget he’s playing.
“And I think Leeds are going to struggle this year. I fear for them this season but I hope they can stay in the Premier League.“
In other news, an expert can’t believe Arsenal could sell Gabriel Magalhaes to giants in swap deal.