Leeds United 'want' Arsenal outcast as 'Raphinha replacement' – fee 'would exceed €25m'

Reports suggest Leeds United are among clubs interested in signing Arsenal outcast Nicolas Pepe this summer.

Pepe made a name for himself during his time in France with Lille. He registered 22 goals and eleven assists in 38 league appearances in 2018/19.

His form this term tempted Arsenal to pay £72m to bring him to the Premier League.

Five small defenders as Manchester United move for little Lisandro Martinez

The winger has struggled over the past three seasons, however. He only started five times in the league last season.

Pepe has registered one goal and two assists in 20 Premier League appearances in total.

Last May, it was revealed that Ivory Coast had hired a new agent ahead of this summer and he was considering leaving Arsenal.

Diario de Sevilla reports that Pepe 'can leave Arsenal' this summer.

Sevilla have 'contacted' the English club to discuss the transfer, but 'it won't be easy' for the Spanish side to sign him.

Pepe is said to be 'also wanted' by Marseille and Lyon. Meanwhile, Leeds see him as a 'Raphinha replacement'. The Brazilian international has signed for Barcelona.

The report adds that Pepe's price would "exceed 25 million euros" if sold this summer.

Elsewhere, Charles De Ketelaere is reportedly continuing to reject Leeds United's advances for his signature as he closes in on a move to AC Milan.

Leeds were ready to pay up to £31.5m for the Belgium international this summer, with AC Milan reportedly struggling to meet Club Brugge's demands for their midfielder.

>

It had given Leeds hope that they could 'fall back' on them if Milan failed to reach an agreement with De Ketelaere preferring a move to the Serie A club.

However, Italian site Calciomercato now claim that Milan are 'increasingly closer' to a deal for the Belgian despite their initial offer of €27m plus bonuses not yet pretty good for Bruges.

It is understood 'the signs of the deal are positive' with Milan looking 'to complete the deal over the weekend' and De Ketelaere 'just waiting' for the Serie A giants.< /p>

He has a five-year deal already agreed in principle as De Ketelaere 'keep saying no' to Leeds and the 'next few hours will be very important' as Milan look to complete a deal.