Mikel Arteta has told his Friday press conference – as per Football London – that “anything can happen” regarding the future of Arsenal wide man Nicolas Pepe, amid reports Leeds and Newcastle are among his suitors.
Pepe, 27, has remained an unused substitute in both of Arsenal’s first two Premier League games against Crystal Palace and Leicester. Reports state that the Ivory Coast international wants to leave the Gunners this summer.
Arsenal have Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka as their first-choice options on the wings. Emile Smith-Rowe is likely to be the man to come in straight away, as first replacement. Pepe is fourth choice on the flanks.
Indeed, he might get some game time in the Europa League this season. But that might not be enough to satisfy Arsenal’s club-record signing, who has been linked with Leeds and Newcastle. Arteta has discussed his future.
“What we can communicate we always do when it’s the right moment. We discussed that we have a big squad and we’ve allowed some players to leave. Until the end of the window anything can happen,” Arteta said.
Arteta: ‘Anything can happen’ with Arsenal man Pepe
Where should Pepe go? One thing is for sure, is that he needs to leave Arsenal this summer. He is not good enough to start for the Gunners and if he is to reignite his career, it needs to be elsewhere than The Emirates.
A move to another Premier League club may help. He has shown he can make an impact in England’s top tier. But Arsenal’s price tag, and the wages on offer, might prove too expensive for any interested parties.
A loan deal is much more likely. Pepe is in need of some confidence and returning to Ligue 1, where he sparkled for Lille before joining Arsenal, would give him the best chance of doing that.
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