As the transfer deadline edges closer, Arsenal are faced with the pressing challenge of finding a new club for winger Nicolas Pépé.
Arsenal’s record signing until recently, finds himself in a precarious position. The club has deemed the 28-year-old winger surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium, and his hefty wages present a financial burden.
Struggles in Finding Suitors
Despite efforts to secure a move for Pépé, Arsenal has encountered difficulties. Journalist Michael Bridge acknowledges Arsenal’s challenges, remarking,
“Arsenal have done some brilliant work with their signings this summer but have always struggled to sell players for decent fees.”
Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been marked by significant arrivals, but the exit door seems elusive for certain players. Nicolas Pépé is chief among them. Despite reported interest from Turkey, Germany and Spain, Pépé remains an Arsenal player with the clock ticking down on the transfer window.
The Nicolas Pepe Conundrum
Arsenal expected Nicolas Pépé’s signing, a marquee deal worth £72 million in 2019, to be a game-changer.
However, the Ivorian international has failed to live up to the expectations. With his wages surpassing regular starters like Odegaard and Martinelli, his presence in the squad has become a financial burden. It’s evident that a permanent solution should have been sought earlier.
Due to the hefty price tag associated with Pépé’s transfer, there are concerns about the financial implications of terminating his contract. Bridge questions,
“Because it was such an expensive deal, I do wonder how much it would cost Arsenal to terminate his contract.”
As the clock ticks down to the transfer deadline, Arsenal’s priority lies in offloading Pépé and Rob Holding, both of whom are on the market but struggling to find new clubs.
It is clear that Arsenal needs to resolve the Nicolas Pépé situation urgently. His wages exceed those of regular starters, making his continued presence an inefficient allocation of funds. Pépé’s lackluster performance on loan and at Arsenal has further dampened interest from potential clubs. The Gunners might be eyeing Saudi Arabia as a possible destination if other avenues prove unsuccessful.
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