Former Real Madrid madman, Pepe, has reportedly turned down a move to Arsenal and will now return to Portugal despite being linked heavily with Thierry Henry at Monaco.

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SOCHI, RUSSIA – JUNE 30: Pepe of Portugal celebrates scoring his teams first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Uruguay and Portugal at Fisht Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

It was reported this weekend that Pepe would sign a deal with Monaco but L’Equipe now report this will not happen. Instead, the 35-year-old will return to Portugal to be closer to his family.

In a report about Cesc Fabregas, who is expected in Monaco on Sunday to finalise his move to France, L’Equipe writes, “Approached by Arsenal, Pepe declined the proposal of the Gunners to move closer to his country.”

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L’Equipe 6 January 2019

Pepe signed for Besiktas after leaving Real Madrid in 2017 but was released from his contract mid-way through December and is currently without a club.

Arsenal are seeking defensive reinforcements after a host of injuries in that area but links with Pepe were given short shrift by the media.

Speaking after the win over Blackpool in the FA Cup on Saturday, Unai Emery said, “I think the club is working for the possibility to bring in some players who can help us during this next four months of competition.

BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal reacts after Arsenal's second goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Blackpool and Arsenal at Bloomfield Road on January 5, 2019 in Blackpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal reacts after Arsenal’s second goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Blackpool and Arsenal at Bloomfield Road on January 5, 2019 in Blackpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)

“It’s a different situation. If the transfer market can help us find a centre back, the possibility to bring them in is not easy because we also have Mavropanos coming back from injury.

“If we have the possibility to sign some important players, we can do it. At left or right wing, perhaps one player can help us in this position. We will only sign players who give us quality. “