Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has become the top target of AC Milan ahead of the January transfer window, Il Milanista say.
Leaving the Emirates?
Pepe has struggled to live up to his price-tag since his club record move to Arsenal back in 2019.
The Ivorian has only ever really performed in flashes, and has rarely shown the quality required to nail down a starting place in Mikel Arteta’s side.
It now seems that his time at Arsenal could be set to end in the new year, with AC Milan desperate to sign him.
They claim that the Italian side have made him their very top target, with director Frederic Massara personally being very keen to sign him.
That could play right into Arsenal’s hands, as their eagerness to get a deal over the line could lead them to pay big money.
Could the Gunners sell up?
Arsenal surely wouldn’t be opposed to selling Pepe, given the way he has performed.
While the Gunners are never going to get close to the £72 million (Goal) they spent on Pepe, he still does retain some value.
The report does actually state that Arteta is ‘not satisfied’ with the player and would ‘gladly’ accept a bid, if one was to come in.
There appears to be few positives in keeping him around now, as his value deteriorates further.
There are still some Arsenal fans who feel that Pepe has the potential to make the grade if given more time.
But, in truth, the Gunners have been patient enough with him, and it may be time for both parties to move on.
Arteta has previously called Pepe ‘phenomenal’, and while that may be true, he has never been consistent enough with his brilliance – which is apparently causing frustration now.
Arsenal have plenty of other options down the wings, which has caused Pepe to slip out of the starting line-up.
And if Milan do push to sign him, it will be interesting to see just how receptive the Gunners will be towards their interest.
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