Arsenal's £72m flop Pepe causes Gunners another problem
Daniel Edwards
- Updated: 27 Jul 2022 13:51 BST
- 2 min read
Arsenal are keen to see Nicolas Pepe move on this summer after failing to make an impression during his time at the Emirates Stadium.
That objective, however, is proving more difficult than the club may have foreseen.
The Gunners want to recoup a decent part of the £72million spent on the Ivory Coast international back in 2019.
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But there are few clubs out there willing to spend on a player who has under-performed since his move from Lille and who endured a horrendous 2021-22 season.
Pepe managed just one Premier League goal and two assists in the entire campaign, a record that has convinced Arsenal it is time to cut their losses on the forward.
The player's wages, too, have proved an obstacle to a sale.
Arsenal reportedly pay Pepe £140,000 a week, a figure that has apparently scared off many suitors.
Where could Pepe end up?
The ex-Lille man's options, then, appear scant.
Reports suggest that Arsenal could even consider a short-term loan move, possibly to Spain, although their preference is for a permanent deal.
Pepe too has left open the possibility of a move, explaining in March: “I am focused on how well we do until the end of the season and the club's target, which is getting into the Champions League.
"Then we will see what happens.”
The forward has played 112 games for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring 27 goals.
