According to Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle, Everton and Crystal Palace are interested in signing Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe.
What’s the story?
Well, it would be quite the story if Arsenal gave up on Pepe and handed him to Newcastle, Everton or Crystal Palace.
As you may know, the 25-cap Ivory Coast has struggled in the Premier League ever since his £72m move from LOSC Lille in July 2019.
In 98 appearances for the Gunners, the Ivorian has scored just 25 goals, and now finds himself out of the starting XI.
It was Unai Emery who signed him, and Mikel Arteta hasn’t really taken a shine to him during his time in charge at the Emirates Stadium.
Jeunes Footeux believe Newcastle, Everton and Crystal Palace would prefer to loan Pepe first, with an option to buy included in the deal.
The French news outlet add that Arteta is keen to offload the 26-year-old.
Crystal Palace should avoid Nicolas Pepe, but Newcastle or Everton could work out
In our view, Pepe wouldn’t be a good signing for Crystal Palace.
Patrick Vieira currently has Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha on the flanks, with Eberechi Eze set to return and Odsonne Edouard also an option out wide.
In that respect, Pepe would be an unnecessary addition.
However, Newcastle could certainly do with the £140,000-a-week man’s ability out wide, as Eddie Howe doesn’t have many options.
The same can be said for Rafa Benitez, who rummaged the bargain bins to strengthen that department over the summer when signing Andros Townsend for free and Demarai Gray for £1.7m.
Things haven’t worked out at Arsenal for Pepe, but that doesn’t mean he can’t kickstart his career in England at another Premier League club.
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