Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told The London Evening Standard that the Gunners do not plan to sell Nicolas Pepe in the January transfer window amid interest from Newcastle United and other clubs.
Arteta has said that he wants Pepe to stay at Arsenal and continue to develop and progress.
Interest in Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe
Jeunes Footeux reported this month that Newcastle, Everton and Crystal Palace all are interested in signing the 26-year-old winger.
Il Milanista have reported that AC Milan are determined to secure the services of Pepe in January.
Mikel Arteta’s verdict
Arteta told The London Evening Standard when asked if if he would entertain any offers for Pepe: “No, and it is not the moment to talk about that either. We are interested in Nico performing at the level that he can do.
“He had some really good moments since I have been here, some moments where he hasn’t participated that much, like everybody else.”
What should Arsenal do?
Arteta is right to publicly say that he wants Pepe to stay at Arsenal.
If the Arsenal boss says anything else, then the winger’s potential transfer fee would drop.
However, in our view, if Arsenal get a good offer, then they should take it.
Well, no one is going to pay £72 million for Pepe now.
So, Arsenal will have to take a hit on the 26-year-old winger.
In our opinion, if an offer of anything between £25 million and £40 million comes in January for Pepe, then Arsenal should take it.
Just look at the stats.
The Arsenal no. 19 has scored 15 goals in 67 appearances in the Premier League.
Pepe has created only 10 big chances.
The Ivory Coast international has made five starts in the Premier League so far this season.
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