After a season marred by injuries and a lack of consistent form, Nicolas Pepe, Arsenal’s 28-year-old winger, is facing an uncertain future.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal are reportedly preparing to move him on, but his high wages could prove a hurdle to finding a buyer.

Nice's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrates with Nice's French defender Melvin Bard after scoring his team's third goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and Montpellier Herault SC at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on January 11, 2023. - (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrates with Nice’s French defender Melvin Bard after scoring his team’s third goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and Montpellier Herault SC at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on January 11, 2023. – (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Nicolas Pepe, despite being the second top-scorer for OGC Nice this season, is facing an uncertain future at Arsenal due to his high wages and inconsistent form.
  • Arsenal are reportedly preparing for a permanent move for Pepe this summer, but finding a buyer might prove challenging.
  • With injuries affecting his form, Pepe has had a mixed season, making his transfer situation complicated for Arsenal to navigate.

Uncertain future for Arsenal’s Pepe

Nice's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (L) celebrates with Nice's French defender Melvin Bard after scoring his team's third goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and Montpellier Herault SC at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on January 11, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (L) celebrates with Nice’s French defender Melvin Bard after scoring his team’s third goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and Montpellier Herault SC at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on January 11, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Nicolas Pepe’s journey with Arsenal appears to be coming to a crossroads. According to Charles Watts of Goal, it’s “clear” that the Ivorian international “has no future at Arsenal”, and a permanent move for the winger is expected this summer.

Despite Pepe’s impressive performance as the second top-scorer for OGC Nice this season, his high wage demands could prove a significant hurdle to his transfer.

Clubs interested in acquiring his talent might balk at the financial commitments necessary to secure his services.

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A complicated transfer situation

Nice's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrates with Nice's French defender Melvin Bard after scoring his team's third goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and Montpellier Herault SC at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on January 11, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrates with Nice’s French defender Melvin Bard after scoring his team’s third goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and Montpellier Herault SC at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on January 11, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Pepe’s transfer situation is further complicated by his injury-laden track record.

The player had a couple of significant setbacks this season. One of these injuries saw him rush back for the Europa Conference League quarter-final against FC Basel, only to find himself sidelined again shortly after.

Pepe’s performance at OGC Nice

Nice's new recruit Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe is presented during the UEFA Conference League play-off second leg football match between OGC Nice and Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice on August 25, 2022. - Nice's new recrue Pepe (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice’s new recruit Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe is presented during the UEFA Conference League play-off second leg football match between OGC Nice and Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice on August 25, 2022. – Nice’s new recrue Pepe (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

While on loan at OGC Nice, Pepe had a mixed season.

He managed eight goals and an assist across 28 appearances. But these figures, along with his injury troubles, may not be enough to convince clubs to invest in him.

Pepe’s past performance and future prospects

LONDON, ENGLAND: Junior Firpo of Leeds United marks Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on May 08, 2022. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Junior Firpo of Leeds United marks Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on May 08, 2022. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Pepe was signed by Arsenal for €80m in 2019 after a 22-goal season with Lille. However, he struggled to replicate this form in North London.

Despite the challenges, there’s no denying the talent Pepe possesses.

The summer transfer window will surely be an intriguing one as Arsenal and Pepe navigate these obstacles.

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