Nicolas Pepe is ready to leave Arsenal after hiring a new agent to secure a move away from the Emirates.
According to Football London, Nicolas Pepe could be on the verge of leaving Arsenal in the summer. The Ivorian winger has changed his agent to get a new club during the next window and play regularly elsewhere.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s plan has relatively worked, and those preferred by the manager have benefitted with plenty of game-time. The Gunners had finished eighth for two successive seasons, and this time, they are guaranteed to play Europa League football at a minimum.
With the club heading towards the final matchday of the season, there is still a slim chance of clinching Champions League qualification. They would need Tottenham to lose against Norwich and then have to beat Everton at the Emirates, which would guarantee them the fourth spot.
Irrespective of the outcome, there is a general feeling of progress under Arteta. During the season, there have been players the manager has refused to trust. Those stars have had to spend a lot of time on the bench, and one of them is Nicolas Pepe, who may not have a future at the club.
The 26-year-old Pepe does not seem to suit Arteta’s tactics. He does not fulfil the roles the manager demands from his right-winger. Bukayo Saka has cemented himself in the position with some stunning displays over the course of the campaign.
Saka’s form has led to Pepe getting sporadic game time, and hence he is ready to quit Arsenal in the summer. The winger has hired a new agent in the hope of securing a move out of the club. The 27-year-old will have two years left on his deal, but the Gunners are also ready to cash in on him.
Arsenal are seeking €30 million for Pepe in this market. His lack of game-time and failure to establish himself at the Emirates since becoming the club’s record signing has seen his market value dip. He has three goals and five assists in 22 games across all competitions during this season.
The Gunners are already searching for a replacement in the market and could bring someone who can be a good fit into Arteta’s system. While there could be significant suitors for the winger, his £140,000-a-week wages could become a stumbling block.
The new representation could help solve such problems, and there will be discussions with the club when the season ends. Whether Pepe decides to remain in the Premier League or move abroad will be answered in the next window. However, there is little chance he features for Arsenal next season.
