The Gunners are reportedly ready to part ways with winger Nicolas Pepe even if it means taking a loss on the massive transfer fee that they paid for the Frenchman initially. It has been an underwhelming three years for the Ivorian player at the Emirates Stadium, and he has been offered to several other Premier League clubs.
As per the Daily Express, Arsenal are ready to offload Pepe this summer at any cost as they continue to rebuild the squad. Work needs to be done on the frontline and Pepe’s sale could generate funds to bring a star striker to the Emirates, to complete the missing piece of the puzzle for Mikel Arteta, who is doing a terrific job this season.
The winger had become the record signing for the Gunners when they spent a whopping 72 million pounds in 2019 to bring him from Lille. However, to say that the signing has been disappointing will be an understatement.
Pepe has rarely found his best form since arriving in England and is yet to completely adapt to life in London. Arsenal, meanwhile, seem to have run out of patience as far as he is concerned and want to cut losses immediately.
They are ready to part ways with Pepe for as little as 25 million pounds in the upcoming summer transfer window, and they have been offering his services to other Premier League clubs. Should they get the 25 million that they are asking for him, Arsenal would have lost a staggering 47 million pounds on the player.
It is believed that London neighbours West Ham have apparently shown interest in signing Pepe. David Moyes wants his side to compete for European football every season and has insisted on improving the quality and the depth of his side, which will allow the Hammers to find success on multiple fronts.
Moyes believes that brining in the Frenchman could also provide competition and get the best out of Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma. The Ivorian has started just five matches for Arsenal in the Premier League this season and has fallen behind the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in the pecking order.
‘It is frustrating not to play. No player enjoys not playing but I have to respect the coach’s decision. When a team is winning it is hard for a coach to make changes. Mikel has explained that and I know I have to work hard in training to get more playing time. The coach knows what I think and how hard I am working,’
Pepe said back in March while on international duty.
