Arsenal forward Nicolas Pépé is still seeking an exit, as opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Turkey remain viable options.

  • Nicolas Pépé still seeking an exit from Arsenal, with Besiktas and Al-Shabab as last-ditch options.
  • Arsenal facing a dilemma as they may need to terminate Pépé’s contract if no fee is agreed upon.
  • Transfer situation complex due to the role of Pépé’s agent and the approaching closure of the Saudi transfer window.

The crossroads for Pépé

Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha (L) vies with Arsenal's French-born Ivorian midfielder Nicolas Pepe (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 27, 2019. - (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Crystal Palace’s Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha (L) vies with Arsenal’s French-born Ivorian midfielder Nicolas Pepe (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 27, 2019. – (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

It’s no secret that Nicolas Pépé has been angling for an exit from Arsenal throughout the summer.

While the Ivory Coast international was optimistic about a swift departure, complexities have arisen that make the move far from straightforward.

Last-ditch options: Saudi Arabia and Turkey

Pépé was reportedly in Paris recently for a medical in anticipation of a move to Turkish side Besiktas.

But a statement from the Turkish club contradicted these reports, indicating they were not interested in pursuing Pépé.

Nicolas Pepe with the Man of the Match award
Nicolas Pepe with the Man of the Match award

Additionally, Arsenal are rumoured to be in talks with Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab for a £4m deal.

However, the imminent closing of the Saudi transfer window puts a ticking clock on any potential agreements.

What lies ahead

Sources suggest that if an offer from Al-Shabab doesn’t materialise, Pépé is expected to travel to Istanbul on Friday.

Besiktas, however, are, as usual, looking for a no-fee addition to their squad, potentially forcing Arsenal into a difficult decision concerning the termination of Pépé’s contract.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Nicolas Pepe ofArsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal at The King Power Stadium on February 28, 2021 in Leicester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Nicolas Pepe ofArsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal at The King Power Stadium on February 28, 2021 in Leicester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

This is an unpalatable last resort that the club would, naturally, rather avoid.

Player and agent-driven narrative

The complex dance around Pépé’s potential transfer seems to have been instigated in part by the player’s agent.

Initial talks had stumbled, requiring both clubs to revisit previously discussed terms.

This back-and-forth leaves the footballer in an uncertain situation, as he contends with the emotional toll of such protracted negotiations.

Conclusion

While the transfer saga continues to unfold, the future remains uncertain for Pépé and Arsenal.

With multiple options still in play, only time will tell where the forward will land.