Nicolas Pepe’s post-Arsenal career hasn’t exactly gone to plan.

After a promising stint with Lille, his record-breaking move to Arsenal never delivered, leading to a free transfer to Trabzonspor.

Despite underwhelming performances and injury setbacks, Pepe remains a target in the transfer market, with Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan reportedly circling.

With five goals and two assists in 18 appearances for Trabzonspor, it’s safe to say that Nicolas Pepe has not set the footballing stage alight since leaving Arsenal on a free transfer last summer. Still, that hasn’t stopped reports of Juventus being interested in the former record-Arsenal transfer, who is out of contract this summer.

When the Turkish side signed the Ivorian, they paid him €1,750,000 and an additional €1,600,000 as a signing bonus for the 2023-2024 season. Arsenal, of course, got nothing after they cancelled his contract.

Signing a contract for a year allowed Pepe to leave Arsenal while not committing himself long-term to a deal that pays less than he could command elsewhere. While they would like to keep him, Trabzonspor are realistic. They cannot meet his wage demands and others can. They would also have to pay him another signing bonus, funds they could use elsewhere.

Now valued at just €10m, Juventus are reportedly eyeing the chance to land him for nothing after a season interrupted by injury and AFCON that has limited him to just 965 minutes.

Since his return from AFCON in mid-February, Pepe has three goals, and one assist, in nine game, playing the full 90 in just two matches.

Interest from Italy in Pepe in not new. Back in January it was reported that AC Milan were considering a move for the 28-year-old who made 112 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 27 and assisting 21.

At the start of the year, Pepe reflected on his journey, saying, “When I received the first offer from Trabzonspor, their personal approach impressed me. They showed me a lot of love and attention, influencing my decision.”

Talking about his injury challenges, he said, “The last part of the season in Nice was really complicated due to my injury. I’m working to fix this, and I know things will get better.

“Injury is challenging both physically and mentally. Many think of giving up, but I never give up the fight.”

Pepe also commented on his relationship with former Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. “He’s an extraordinary kid. It’s not his fault about the money paid back then. When things don’t work, you have to move on.”