French newspaper L’Equipe report – as per GFFN – that Marseille wanted to sign another Arsenal player in the January window, in Nicolas Pepe. The report states that Lyon were also interested in bringing him back to France.
Pepe, 26, has failed to start a Premier League match since the middle of October, managing just three substitute appearances since. The form of Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka has edged him out of the side.
During the latest league game, a 0-0 draw with Burnley, Pepe failed to make the matchday squad – potentially suggesting a deadline-day move might be on the cards. Nothing materialised, unlike Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Now, L’Equipe report that there was interest in the Ivory Coast international from Marseille – a club that signed Sead Kolasinac in January. They also have William Saliba and Matteo Guendouzi on loan.
The report also states that Lyon were interested, though they did make one signing from North London – in the form of Tanguy Ndombele from Tottenham. L’Equipe say a summer decision will be made on Pepe’s future.
Pepe needs to go back to France, Arsenal pressure a step too far
In France, Pepe was exceptional for Lille. In his 79 appearances for the 2020-21 Ligue 1 champions, he scored 37 goals and laid on 17 assists. His £72million fee was justified at the time, but it has proved too heavy.
The weight of that fee has hindered his performances – with the value also gaining expectation from fans that he would live up to it. It was doomed from the start. He needs to back to France and reignite his Lille form.
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