Trabzonspor are hot on the trails of £72 million Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe, as they still have time to finalise the transfer.
According to Foot Mercato, Trabzonspor have emerged as a real contender to sign £72 million Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe ahead of the Turkish deadline. The Super Lig club will have time to finalise the transfer, with the Gunners open to letting the Ivorian winger leave.
Arsenal may appear like a different team from some years ago, as Mikel Arteta has made them into potential challengers. The side were abysmal after Arsene Wenger left, and there are still some players on board who keep reminding them of their mistakes from the past.
Nobody embodies that better than Nicolas Pepe. The winger, who joined Arsenal from LOSC Lille in a £72 million deal after a brilliant season, failed to make a mark on Arteta’s side over the last few seasons. He spent the 2022/23 season on loan at OGC Nice but failed to make any significant impact.
Arsenal have been open to cashing in on the winger, but they have yet to find a suitable buyer. There were talks of an imminent contract termination. The Gunners are more interested in conducting a sale than losing money on another player.
Nicolas Pépé, not convinced by Saudi approaches — deal not happening, his priority is now to join Trabzonspor 🇹🇷
Negotiations to follow in order to reach an agreement, as @footmercato called; he’s completely out of Arsenal project.#AFC prepared to give the green light. pic.twitter.com/4OncRa8jve
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 7, 2023
The interest in Pepe has gone a notch up since the European transfer deadline, as he looked primed to join Besiktas in the last few days. There were reports insisting the Turkish side would pay around £2 million in fixed fees with £5-6 million in add-ons.
While Besiktas have held talks with Arsenal, Trabzonspor have swooped in with a late interest in the £72 million flop, as they are hot on his trails. As per Fabrizio Romano, The Super Lig side identified the Ivorian as a key target as they could open negotiations with the Gunners.
While there was interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, Pepe seems unconvinced by the offers he has received. Romano insists Trabzonspor remains the winger’s priority as things stand. There’s still time left in the Turkish window, which could allow the club to easily agree terms and take the £72 million Arsenal flop to Turkey.
Also Read: Arsenal Summer Transfer Window Verdict 2023
Pepe is no longer part of Arteta’s plans, and the Gunners are ready to green-light the transfer. He has not been training with the first team since returning during pre-season. With his transfer, Arsenal will take a massive hit on their investment but will cull his wages off their books.
