Championship rivals Wrexham ‘ramp up’ interest in Portsmouth summer transfer target Aribim Pepple

Wrexham are reportedly ready to ‘ramp up’ their interest in Pompey summer target Aribim Pepple.

Speculation over the striker’s future has been rife throughout the window after an outstanding maiden campaign with Plymouth Argyle.

Having netted 18 goals in all competitions at Home Park last term, his impressive form alerted a number of clubs in England and abroad ahead of the market’s opening.

The News understood Pompey were one of the clubs who had Pepple on their transfer radar, having previously done their homework on what a potential transfer would look like.

But a sizable fee would’ve been required to prise him away from the Pilgrims this summer, with Plymouth implementing a seven-figure release clause in his deal following his £250,000 arrival from Luton Town in July 2025.

Wrexham plotting late move for Pompey summer target

Although interest from Fratton Park cooled following the Blues’ multi-million pound capture of Marko Milovanovic, the 23-year-old is however a target for Pompey’s Championship rivals.

A fresh report from The Guardian has claimed big-spending Wrexham are plotting a move before the September 1 deadline.

The Red Dragons, who have already signed Anthony Patterson (£10m), Danny Imray (£5m) and Ben Whiteman (£3m) during the window, are now expected to ‘ramp up’ their interest ahead of a potential swoop.

Phil Parkinson’s side, though, are not alone in the chase, with the report stating Preston North End are also keen along with clubs from Europe and in the MLS.

Wrexham, who drew 1-1 with Cardiff City on the opening day, are already well-stocked in the centre-forward department, with Kieffer Moore, Sam Smith, Nathan Broadhead and Davis Keillor-Dunn already in their arsenal.

But Parkinson is still looking to strengthen his attacking ranks, with the highly-rated Pepple, who does have a seven-figure release clause in his Plymouth deal, in their sights.

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Pompey looking to recruit an attacking option ahead of window’s climax

Pepple was one of a host of strikers Pompey had on their list of potential signings at the beginning of the transfer window.

The Blues instead completed the signing of Milovanovic in July from Spanish side UD Almeria in a deal which could rise to as high as €6m.

But, Mousinho has left the door open to further attacking additions in the final knockings of the market following a recent serious injury to Thomas Waddingham.

The Aussie is expected to miss 10 weeks of action having undergone surgery after sustaining an ankle injury against West Ham earlier this month.

And the head coach has hinted at the possibility of now recruiting a versatile forward who can operate across the front-line before the September 1 deadline.

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