Arsenal Transfer News: As Nicolas Pepe does not factor into Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans for Arsenal, the club is contemplating letting him go this summer
Arsenal Transfer News: Nicolas Pepe is expected to be sold by Arsenal this summer, according to Fichajes. The underachieving 27-year-old forward may remain at OGC Nice for the foreseeable future despite not being a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the club.
When Arsenal spent a then-record £72 million for Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe in 2019, they hoped he would turn around the club’s woes. The winger had a terrific debut season, highlighted by an FA Cup victory.
Mikel Arteta, in his first full season as manager, kept the underachieving 27-year-old forward in the starting lineup. The Arsenal manager preferred a different approach from the right flank. Bukayo Saka has established himself as the team’s unchallenged starter.
Arsenal Transfer News: What’s the matter?
Pepe had a rough season in 2021/22 due to his frequent deployment as a late-game substitution. Arsenal loaned the Ivorian to OGC Nice in the hopes that playing regularly for the club would restore the player’s self-confidence.
Pepe’s overall results have been unimpressive after another promising beginning with a new team. Nonetheless, he has six goals to his name in Ligue 1. If he performs well between now and the conclusion of the season, the French club would consider signing him permanently.
The 27-year-old underachieving forward will return to Arsenal for preseason unless the Gunners find a buyer. Arsenal will not recoup any of the £72 million they spent on him. With a year remaining on his contract, though, they are hoping to negotiate a fair salary.
What’s next for Nicolas Pepe?
Arsenal are already planning for the summer transfer window, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby being their top target for the right flank position. The 27-year-old isn’t a part of Arteta’s plans since he wants to advance with new ideas for the wide attacking zones.
Pepe will realize he has no future at Arsenal. He will try to negotiate a transfer back to France. Nice is still considering whether or not to bring him in permanently. But, they are keeping an eye on the cost.
A little charge could be acceptable, but they’ll need Pepe to take a significant wage cut. Despite Arsenal’s desire to get rid of the underachiever as soon as possible, they may lose him for free in 2024 if they insist on a high price.
