Arsenal defensive target makes shock return to Portugal

Pepe: Could move to Man City this summer

Reported Arsenal target Pepe has completed a free-transfer move to Porto. 

The 35-year-old mutually terminated his contract with Besiktas and has now signed a two-year deal with the club he played for between 2004 and 2007.

The former Real Madrid man was linked with Arsenal earlier this month, with French news outlet L’Equipe even reporting the player had turned down a move to The Emirates.

Pepe was thought to be heading to Monaco to link-up with Thierry Henry, but the Portugal international has instead decided to go back to his homeland with the Primeira Liga leaders.

Pepe made over 100 appearances for Porto in three seasons before moving to Real Madrid for €30million in the summer of 2007.

It’s understood Gunners boss Unai Emery is on the hunt for a new defender, but whether the Gunners ever made an effort to land Pepe, especially considering his age, is highly unlikely.

Express Sport claim Arsenal have considered offering Gary Cahill a route away from Stamford Bridge after the former England man has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge.