The former Arsenal forward, who the Gunners paid a reported £72m for, is currently playing the Super Lig with Trabzonspor on a short-term deal.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Rangers’ ability to retain Abdallah Sima and the general depth at the position, adding a seasoned international like Nicolas Pepe would be a major coup financially.
Rangers could have right wing answer in Nicolas Pepe
Given the 28-year-old’s experience with Nice during the previous campaign, a number of signs point to Philippe Clement—who is likely familiar with Pepe’s abilities from his tenure as Monaco’s manager—asking his hiring staff to travel to Turkey.
Rangers’ wingers should ideally be able to score goals as well as have quickness, be able to carry the ball, and create opportunities for other players.
In contrast, Rangers would love to have a player that fits many of the same criteria as Raheem Sterling, the in-form winger for Chelsea, and Nicolas Pepe does just that.
However, there is one minor issue.
According to reports, Pepe declined a weekly offer of about £80,000 to leave Arsenal and join the revolution in Saudi Arabia.
Of course, this is beyond Rangers’ budget, but Nicolas Pepe was making a much more reasonable £35,000 a week when he moved to Trabzonspor, according to the football finance website Capology.
This would put him on par with our highest paid players, but there would be expectations that he contribute regularly, be a key member of Philippe Clement’s team, and arrive without requiring a transfer fee.
Players like Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker have been involved in far too many punt plays and gambles.
Nicolas Pepe is exactly the kind of player Rangers needs if the management wants to get closer to Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
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