The transfer team at Premier League giants Arsenal have come to a decision on the future of winger Nicolas Pepe ahead of the summer window, according to reports.
And, in a blow to any lingering hopes on the part of the Ivorian of turning things around to make a success of his time in north London, it appears as though his Gunners stint is primed to come to an imminent end.
As per a report from Mark Irwin of The Sun, ‘Arsenal are ready to listen to offers for record signing Nicolas Pepe.’
This comes with the 26-year-old having of course fallen heavily out of favour under Mikel Arteta to this point in the campaign, on his way to starts in just five of the club’s 33 Premier League outings.
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Nicolas Pepe is challenged by Liam Cooper during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Nevertheless, Pepe is viewed as one of the few sources of potential income remaining on the fringes of the first-team setup at the Emirates.
In turn, it is suggested that a deal for the talented wide-man could be struck for just £25 million, a whopping £47 million loss on the Gunners’ original outlay on his signature.
Jesus incoming?
Word of Pepe’s likely exit would of course appear to line up with further speculation surrounding the summer plans of the Arsenal hierarchy to have surfaced over the course of the last 48 hours.
This comes with Mikel Arteta and co. understood to be pushing ahead with efforts to secure reinforcements to the club’s frontline ahead of next season.
At the top of the wishlist in north London at present sits Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus, whom it is understood negotiations are now well underway with.
? Four goals for Gabriel Jesus in Man City vs Watford. With 25yo out of contract in 2023 + #MCFC closing on Haaland, Arsenal exploring possibility to sign Jesus this summer. Extensive talks with striker’s reps but not yet between clubs @TheAthleticUK #AFC https://t.co/jOu4Es7nT7
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) April 23, 2022
Should Arsenal ultimately strike a deal for the Brazilian, meanwhile, it would mean fresh options not only through the middle for Arteta’s troops, but on the right wing, too, paving the way ever further for Pepe to move on.
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