Arsenal could terminate 28-year-old’s contract, he’s one of the highest earners at the club

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Arsenal are not taking any options off the table with Nicolas Pepe, who spent last season out on loan at Nice.

The Daily Express report that there is a possibility that Arsenal could terminate Nicolas Pepe‘s contract this summer.

There is probably a long way to go before that happens, with the same outlet claiming that the winger is attracting interest from other clubs.

However, if the Gunners struggle to find someone to buy him and pay his wages, it looks like they could be ready to tear up his contract.

Arsenal signed Pepe from Lille for £72m back in 2019. According to Spotrac, he is one of the highest earners in Mikel’s Arteta squad, with just seven players said to be taking more money home than him.

Arsenal need to get Nicolas Pepe off their wage bill

Considering the above, Arsenal need to get all of Pepe’s wages off their books. He is an expensive asset that they are just not going to fully utilise.

That is largely because of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who were in undroppable form last season.

Given that and his failure to make a successful transition from Ligue 1 over to the Premier League, you cannot see Pepe being more than a squad player under Arteta.

If he wants some stability and to be a consistent starter, then it obviously makes sense for the 28-year-old Ivory Coast international to join another side permanently before the transfer window closes.

But he is not the only one who is likely to leave Arsenal this summer. After spending big on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, you would expect the Gunners to start sanctioning some sales in order to balance the books.

It is bad news if Pepe wishes to remain in north London. But with there being no clear route into Arteta’s first XI right now, he will probably be open to an exit.