The time at Arsenal for Nicolas Pepe, the French forward who joined the club in 2019, could be nearing its end. A yet-to-be-identified Saudi Arabian club has shown interest in Pepe, sparking negotiations over a potential transfer.

As the transfer window’s close looms, the future of Pepe remains uncertain.

• Nicolas Pepe is attracting interest from a Saudi Arabian club, with Arsenal in negotiations for a transfer.
• Pepe’s difficult relationship with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could be a factor in the decision to sell.
• The failed move to Besiktas has added urgency to the transfer negotiations as the September 1st deadline approaches.

Arsenal are reportedly in the midst of a potential sale involving forward Nicolas Pepe to a Saudi Pro League side. The undisclosed Saudi Arabian club is said to be eager to bring Pepe to the Middle East this summer.

Joining Arsenal from Lille in 2019, Pepe’s stint at the north London club has been less than fruitful.

After spending the whole of the 2022-23 campaign on loan with Nice in Ligue 1, and with a failed move to Besiktas earlier this month, it appears Arsenal may be looking to finally move on from the former Angers man.

The relationship between Pepe and Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta has been far from harmonious. Comments made by Pepe in April, expressing dissatisfaction with his role at the club, highlighted the discontent.

Pepe’s words left many speculating about his future, with the forward saying, “I don’t know what Arsenal want. I still have a lot of friends there. I could have been important for the club, but those are the coach’s choices.”

With the 28-year-old’s contract at the Emirates Stadium expiring next year, Arsenal seem keen on salvaging a fee for the forward. The unnamed Saudi Arabian club appears to be the most likely destination for Pepe, who endured a challenging time in the Premier League.

The transfer window’s closure on September 1st brings urgency to these negotiations. It remains to be seen if the Ivorian will secure his exit from north London, but the club has already begun negotiating a fee with Arsenal.