“He’s a player that knows Porto weak point because he has played against her before, Arteta should be signing him straight up before the fixture”- Arsenal Legend Arsene Wenger has told Arsenal to sign ‘phenomenal’ £65M player that could help Arsenal weaken Porto’s defence in the Champions League by 2024
Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger, renowned for his insightful analyses, has advised Mikel Arteta to consider signing a £65 million player who could prove instrumental in undermining Porto’s defense during the upcoming Champions League clash in 2024. Wenger emphasized the player’s familiarity with Porto’s weak points, having faced them previously.
As the Champions League draw unfolded, Arsenal fans welcomed the prospect of challenging FC Porto in the next round, acknowledging the Portuguese side’s formidable status. Despite Porto’s challenge, the consensus among Arsenal enthusiasts is that the draw could have presented more daunting opponents.
Mikel Arteta, undoubtedly relieved to sidestep formidable teams like Inter Milan or Napoli in the initial rounds, now finds his team pitted against Porto, a club with historical ties to a player long linked with Arsenal. The Gunners have often been associated with the pursuit of an elite winger to complement talents like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
In this context, the 26-year-old Brazilian winger, Pepe, emerges as a notable figure, having previously captured Arteta’s admiration. Although Arsenal’s earlier links to a £65 million move for Pepe have cooled, the upcoming Champions League tie provides an opportune moment to reconsider the potential acquisition.
The suggestion is that Arsenal might strategically target a winger in the January transfer window, and Pepe, with his proven capabilities, could emerge as a prudent choice. However, the decision to engage in January business remains uncertain, given the team’s current readiness and Arteta’s reliance on key players.
While Pedro Neto and Ivan Toney are frequently cited as potential Arsenal targets, doubts surround Toney’s prospective signing, and the Pedro Neto deal may wait until a later date. Arsenal’s squad, fortified by the return of key players like Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu from injury, is poised to strengthen further as the season progresses.
The upcoming Champions League clash against Porto promises intrigue, not only in terms of the squad’s composition but also in potential strategic moves in the transfer market. While weakening Porto through the acquisition of Pepe may appear enticing, Arsenal’s overall focus in the transfer window remains a subject of speculation, adding an extra layer of anticipation for fans and pundits alike.