According to the Evening Standard, Mikel Arteta is set to hold talks with Nicolas Pepe regarding his future at Arsenal this summer.
What’s the story?
Well, the Gunners are hoping to sign two strikers this summer, with the north Londoners hoping that one of those additions is also able to operate out wide.
That would further limit Pepe’s chances of playing time, which are already very slim.
The Ivory Coast international has made just five Premier League starts this season, and he’s said to be very annoyed at Arteta due to his lack of action.
Pepe’s contract expires in June 2024, and Arsenal are now set to hold talks with their £72m club-record signing to see what he would like to do.
The 26-year-old earns £140,000-a-week at the Emirates Stadium, which is far too much for someone who is not a regular starter.
Arsenal are also expected to make a decision on Pablo Mari, who is currently impressing on loan at Udinese.
The Evening Standard believe the Serie A side want to keep the defender on a permanent basis, and any sale would boost Arsenal’s transfer budget.
Arsenal must cut their losses on Nicolas Pepe
It has been over two years since Arteta replaced Unai Emery, and aside from some flashes of brilliance, Pepe hasn’t improved at all.
Therefore, it’s time for the Gunners to cut their losses and offload the former Lille attacker, who just isn’t suited to Arteta’s style of play.
Ian Wright believes the Arsenal No.19 could be used as a centre-forward, although we can’t see that being a viable long-term option.
In our view, Arsenal have no chance of recouping anything close to the £72m they spent on Pepe – they’d be lucky to receive £30m, in truth.
Nevertheless, whatever money is received from his sale can be put towards players who actually fit into Arteta’s ethos, so it’s worth selling him.
If Pepe isn’t sold this summer, then he will only have one year remaining on his contract when the summer of 2023 comes around.
Therefore, Edu must ensure he finds a buyer for the Ivorian soon.
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