Arsenal are reportedly prepared to take a massive loss on Nicolas Pepe after setting a reasonable €30 million asking price on the Ivorian winger.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal are willing to offload Nicolas Pepe for €30 million in the summer, with the club prepared to take a massive loss on their initial investment for the Ivory Coast international. The out-of-favour attacker could attract significant interest, as he still boasts a considerable reputation in the market.
For two years, Arsenal fans have wished for Nicolas Pepe to have a breakthrough season, and so far, they have been disappointed. The Premier League giants decided to splash the cash on the winger back in 2019 after an impressive season with Lille, where he boasted 23 goals and 12 assists in a Ligue 1-winning campaign.
Pepe has never come close to achieving those numbers at Arsenal and instead ended up cutting a frustrated figure without cementing his place in the side. The Ivorian has shown his talent in flashes, but never consistently. This has resulted in the management losing their faith in the attacker.
The out-of-favour star could have left in January, only for Arsenal to block a potential move as Mikel Arteta wanted his squad to remain intact until the end of the season. In the summer, the situation might change, as Pepe could be allowed to leave the club if suitors meet their asking price.
Arsenal have reportedly placed a €30 million price tag on the out-of-favour attacker. It seems like the Gunners are willing to take a massive loss on their investment in the winger. Several clubs from the Premier League and abroad could be willing to take the 26-year-old away from the Emirates, as he still boasts a considerable reputation.
The Gunners are linked with several wide attacking names for a summer transfer, which could be due to Pepe’s impending departure. The Ivorian has made just five starts in the current Premier League campaign, playing second fiddle to Bukayo Saka for the right-wing berth.
Napoli had previously shown interest before Arsenal nicked him away from Lille. It will be interesting to see if the Serie A giants come back in for the Ivorian, especially with Lorenzo Insigne set to move to the MLS. The attacker has the talent and hunger to become a big part of any team in Europe or England.
A €30 million price tag also resembles a reasonable sum for a player struggling in Mikel Arteta’s setup. He will have two years left on his deal when the current campaign ends, which puts Arsenal in a good position to demand a decent transfer fee.
