Arsenal ‘willing to let Nicolas Pepe leave’ with at least three clubs keen on transfer

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Arsenal are willing to let Nicolas Pepe leave the club on loan on transfer deadline day, according to reports. The Ivory Coast international is the Gunners’ record signing after arriving from Lille back in 2019. However, a temporary move away from the Emirates Stadium now appears to be on the cards.

Back in 2019, Unai Emery was targeting Wilfried Zaha.

But when it became clear the winger would cost too much to sign from Crystal Palace, they then swooped for Pepe instead.

It’s a move that hasn’t yet worked out, with the Ivory Coast international blowing hot and cold ever since his arrival.

And, now, 90min claim Arsenal are willing to let Pepe leave the club on loan.

It’s a surprising statement, especially as it would leave the north London giants with just 17 first-team outfielders.

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Arsenal are poised to cut loose former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who hasn’t played for the club since the beginning of December.

Barcelona are confident when it comes to striking a deal, with Aubameyang currently in the city ahead of a potential transfer.

Now, Pepe could follow the club’s No 14 out of the door.

It’s stated that clubs from Germany, Spain and France are all interested in signing the forward before 11pm tonight.

Pepe has registered just one assist from nine Premier League matches this term, failing to score along the way.

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He did show signs of life last term, managing 10 goals in the top flight from 29 appearances in the competition.

Now, however, a parting of the ways could be on the cards.

It will leave Arsenal short and Mikel Arteta is eager to land a new striker before the transfer window shuts, even if time is against his side.

Alexander Isak has been spotted in England, fuelling talk of a potential move for the Real Sociedad star.

But it’s believed he was merely shopping in Selfridges, rather than undergoing any sort of medical.

Arsenal have been linked with Real Madrid hitman Luka Jovic, too.

The Serbia international has toiled during his time at the Bernabeu and, these days, is stuck behind Karim Benzema in the pecking order.

But Jovic is also wanted by Everton and they, at the current time of writing, appear to be frontrunners in the race to snap him up.

Meanwhile, speaking last month, Arsenal legend Paul Merson urged his old side to get rid of Pepe.

“I would say if they can sell him in January they will,” the ex-midfielder told Sky Sports.

“He has just not been consistent enough in my opinion.

“This lad can be an eight out of 10 or four out of 10 the week the next. As a manager you want seven out 10 every week.

“Before when you’re brought for a lot of million there was a lot of pressure, but that doesn’t happen anymore. But, I hope he goes out and enjoys it. You’re playing football, the best sport in the world.”

Speaking about Pepe’s progress in April, manager Mikel Arteta said: “He needed a period of adaptation and that is gone now.

“So we cannot rely on adaptation again, now it is about performance and he can do it… there are no excuses.”

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