Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that he could look to replace Nicolas Pepe with the winger having sealed an exit from the Emirates Stadium.
The Ivorian winger was confirmed to have joined Ligue 1 outfit Nice earlier this week on a season-long loan spell in a move that brings to an end a stuttering spell in north London. Having arrived at the Emirates Stadium for a club-record £72m back in 2019, he has seen his game time dwindle since his debut season and will now look to reignite his career back in France.
Ahead of his side’s Premier League showdown with Fulham at the weekend, Arteta has hinted that Pepe’s exit could potentially lead the Gunners dipping into the transfer market once more to bolster their wide options.
It of course remains to be seen who is on the Gunners’ shortlist but a number of Premier League players have been linked with the club including Wolves star Pedro Neto.
Speaking on potential replacements for Pepe, Arteta said: “If we can implement the plan that we have we will try to do it. In that plan that [Pepe leaving] was something that could happen, now it’s a reality. We’ve been preparing for the last two months and now we will see.”
During his time at Arsenal, Pepe has been usurped in the battle to be a starter at the Emirates Stadium - Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli deployed in wide positions in last weekend’s win against Bournemouth. Arteta has revealed that first-team football was a prime reason behind Pepe’s exit.
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“It’s been three years and he some good moments, some others where he hasn’t really contributed much in terms of minutes,” the Spaniard said. “We decided for every party it was the best decision to allow him to go. He needs to play football.”
Pepe’s departure is just the latest in an ever-growing list of players to bid farewell to Arsenal this summer. Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira, Bernd Leno, and Kostas Mavropanos have all departed on permanent deals, whilst the likes of Nuno Tavares, Pablo Mari and Runar Alex Runarsson have all been sent out on-loan.
They could yet be joined by further departures with Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles continuing to be linked with moves before next week’s transfer deadline. Arteta has suggested that work is ongoing to finalise deals that will benefit both the club and of course the players in question.
He said: “There are still a few players where we’re discussing their futures and we want to find the best solution for all parties.”
