Nicolas Pepe says he is focussed and determined with Arsenal ahead of the new season as he admits to also making some changes.
It’s safe to say that Arsenal’s club record move for Nicolas Pepe in 2019 has not gone as we would have hoped.
Although Mikel Arteta has actually given the Ivorian far more chances that you might realise, it looked like his time was up this summer.
Of course, the wages that Pepe is on at Arsenal make things exceptionally difficult and, as we head towards the final month of the transfer window, Pepe seems to be making a case for a future with Arsenal.
Posting on Instagram, the 27-year-old said, “Change[d a] lot of things. I’m focus[sed] and determined with @arsenal and my teammates ⚪️🔴 #Ontheroad #premierleague #facup #europaleague #NP19.”
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Pepe has played 112 times for Arsenal (93 of those under Mikel Arteta), scoring 27 and assisting 21 (23 and 16 under Arteta), which is a goal or assist every 2.3 matches, although he averages under an hour per game in terms of playing time.
A number of clubs have been linked with moves for Pepe in this window.
Leeds apparently see him as an option to replace Raphinha while Newcastle are still looking to spend some of the blood money they have burning in their pockets.
Clubs from around Europe have also been linked but those would no doubt only be loans and Arsenal would have to subsidise Pepe’s wages.
That might explain why he was offered to PSG.
It seems likely, at this point, that Arsenal will keep trying to find a new home for Pepe but, as things stand, it all looks like going to the wire.
The transfer window closes at 11pm on 1 September.