One Portugal star, currently representing the nation at Euro 2024, had the opportunity to join Arsenal in 2019.
Arsenal were certainly busy in the transfer window during the Unai Emery era. There were some success stories in this time, as the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba were brought to the club.
However, far too many of the arrivals from this period turned out to be flops. Nicolas Pepe, Lucas Torreira, and Matteo Guendouzi, amongst others, all ultimately failed to make the grade at the Emirates Stadium.
There is, however, one target that the Gunners missed out on in 2019 who would have been a real asset to the North London club, especially during the transition to the Mikel Arteta era.
Arsenal came close to signing Portugal legend Pepe
41-year-old centre-back Pepe is still going strong. The 140-cap Portugal international is still playing for his country, and has been a fixture in the team at Euro 2024, despite his age.
The veteran defender has largely impressed at the tournament, barring one moment during his side’s clash with Slovenia last night, when his ageing legs let him down during extra time. On that occasion, Benjamin Sesko was able to race away from the man 20 years his senior and got clean through on goal.
Given Sesko then fluffed his lines with only Diogo Costa to beat, Arsenal may now feel relieved that they failed to signed the 21-year-old earlier this summer.
However, that one incident should not take anything away from the quality that Pepe still possesses.
As reported by The Sun, Emery pushed to bring Pepe to Arsenal in the January of 2019, but was “snubbed” by the former Real Madrid man.
Would Pepe have impressed for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta?
As a senior figure to help bring through and guide Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, Pepe could have served an important function at Arsenal for a brief period.
Of course, he would very much be behind that duo in the pecking order now, and would struggle to cope with the pace of the Premier League week in, week out, but his experience would still be valuable in the dressing room. Arsenal are currently facing a dearth of experience in their squad.
What’s more, Arteta would admire Pepe’s leadership and professionalism. The fact that he is still impressing at the highest level at 41 is evidence enough of his commitment, dedication, and work ethic.
