Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports has provided an update on the future of Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe, who is currently on loan at Nice.
Who is likely to leave Arsenal this summer?
As Mikel Arteta’s current crop chases a long-awaited Premier League title, a few players could leave north London this summer.
The Gunners are eight points ahead of league champions Manchester City, and they are on track to win their first domestic title in nearly 20 years. After years of building, it appears Arteta has finally found the perfect balance in his squad. Some names, however, are on the outskirts of the Spaniard’s plans.
Nuno Tavares, who made his Arsenal debut in 21/22, could leave this summer and is currently on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille. Meanwhile, Kierney, Mohamed Elneny, and Rob Holding have all been mentioned as possible departures from the Emirates Stadium.
Along with the aforementioned players, Arsenal winger Pepe, who is currently on loan at Nice, is firmly on the chopping block, according to Sheth, who provides an update on the 27-year-old.
According to the Sky journalist, Arteta has’made it clear’ that Pepe is no longer in his plans for the future. Sheth elaborated:
“I don’t think the form of those players [Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli] will have any effect because Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he isn’t in his plans.”
“Remember, this wasn’t a Mikel Arteta signing; this was a signing made by Unai Emery, and Emery has since stated that he actually wanted to sign Wilfried Zaha, but the club decided to go with Nicolas Pépé — possibly because of his attributes, but also because of his age.”
Should Pepe depart from Arsenal?
Pepe has struggled for consistency since joining Arsenal from Lille in a club-record £72 million move in 2019. Despite being described as ‘fantastic’ at times by Arsenal legends such as Robin van Persie.
Last season, the £140,000-per-week ace managed just one goal and two assists in 20 league appearances as Pepe struggled to find his form. Arsenal eventually finished fourth that season, with Arteta arguably needing more from such an expensive club acquisition.
This season, however, the Ivorian has dazzled on loan at Nice as he looks to resurrect his career, averaging more attempts and successful take-ons per 90 minutes than any other player in Didier Digard’s squad and scoring six goals. (WhoScored).
With Pepe clearly shining back in France, it may be best for all parties to part ways, and Edu will be hoping that will drive up his market value ahead of a potential permanent sale this summer.
