Former Newcastle United midfielder Didi Hamann has told Newcastle to steer clear of a move for Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe this summer. The Magpies are one of a number of Premier League clubs linked with a move for the Ivorian, with Mikel Arteta's side looking to cash in on the wide man this summer.
The winger joined the Gunners for a club-record fee said to be £72million back in 2019 but has failed to live up to his huge price tag. Arsenal are said to be looking to recoup some of the fee they paid for Pepe, although they understand they won't get a fee anywhere near what they paid for the Ivory Coast international.
Eddie Howe's side are in the market for some creativity in the final third - with reports stating a winger and a striker remain on Newcastle's summer wish list. After strengthening their back line once more this summer, the new Magpies owners have just over a month to give the Toon head coach what he's looking for.
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Speaking to Genting Casino, Hamann said: "Nicolas Pepe has shown glimpses of what he can do and when he's on form he's as good to watch as anyone else but the risk is too big for me.
"Newcastle are a special club and I think the pressure could be even bigger than at Arsenal because at Arsenal the expectations are lower. For a player who performs well one in every eight games, I'd leave that transfer alone if I were Newcastle."
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