Arsenal are about to axe a player who was once backed to replicate Thierry Henry’s success in a Gunners shirt. Nicolas Pepe is set to finally complete a move away from the Emirates after falling down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
Pepe was Arsenal’s record signing of all time up until July, when the £105million deal for Declan Rice usurped the winger’s £72m arrival in 2019. The Ivory Coast international was unable to live up to his hefty price tag.
Pepe spent last season out on loan at Nice in France but was unable to do enough to earn a permanent move. The 28-year-old was not present in Arsenal’s pre-season plans and hasn’t trained with the first team since returning to London Colney last month.
There was reported interest from the Saudi Pro League. But it appears a move to Turkish side Besiktas is on the cards instead.
Read more… Man Utd boss Ten Hag’s immediate response to Sancho statement speaks volumes
French outlet L’Equipe claimed on Monday that Pepe was undergoing a medical in Paris. It is said that he has agreed to join Bestikas after rejecting them earlier this summer.
It will bring to an end a four-year spell for Pepe at Arsenal. He scored 27 goals and registered 21 assists in 112 appearances for the north London side.
It has been some fall from grace for Pepe, who was compared to Henry by Graeme Souness in February 2020 following a goal against Newcastle. The Liverpool legend said on Sky Sports: “I think there is a real, real player in there. You think of their best ever player Thierry [Henry], he came here and didn’t have a great first season, took some time, and I see Pepe being a star here, great feet, electric and still a baby.”
Arsenal boss Arteta also reserved big praise for Pepe following his loan move to Nice. Arteta hailed the player’s attitude but admitted his team had gone in a different direction.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Don’t miss…
Man Utd takeover boost means nothing now for Tottenham as Ferguson deal off[OPINION]
Transfer news LIVE as Chelsea offered Sancho and Salah stance clear[BLOG]
Man Utd and Erik ten Hag being left red-faced by £15m transfer decision[COMMENT]
Arsenal’s new kit for 2023/2024 is a stylish twist on a classic as it reinvents that mid-1990s vibe. A truly modern-looking shirt with a homage to the past, the Nike kit also includes a nod to the club’s iconic Invincible’s side in the finer details while catching the eye with the lightning bolt motif
The Spaniard said: “I think Nico has tried to deal with that in the best possible way. He is not responsible for the price that a club pays for him.
“He has tried everything, his attitude is just phenomenal. You have to meet the person because you have to love him for the way he is.
“But in terms of the decisions you have to make on the pitch and who you have to select, we have made other decisions and obviously that has had an impact in the chances he has had to prove his quality.”
But despite comments from the likes of Souness and Arteta, Pepe’s time at Arsenal is coming to an end. He will sadly be remembered by Gunners fans as one of their biggest-ever flops.
Source: Read Full Article