[ UK TV LIVE ]
Nicolas Pepe's time with Arsenal looks to be coming to an end during the summer transfer window.
Pepe has less than 12 months on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and he is no longer a part of Mikel Arteta's plans for the 2023/24 campaign. The Ivory Coast international, who spent last season on loan in Ligue 1 with OGC Nice, was left out of the pre-season squad for the Gunners' tour of America.
The 28-year-old continues to be linked with a move away, with recent reports claiming that the north Londoners may opt to cancel his contract considering finding him a suitor has proved difficult. So, football.london has rounded up everything we know on the former Lille winger's future below.
Contract decision
Arsenal are contemplating terminating Pepe's contract ahead of tonight's deadline, as per the Daily Mail.
The Gunners are struggling to find a suitor for the Ivory Coast international, who has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium. football.london reported back in June that although the north Londoners were keen to garner a fee for Pepe, plans have been made for the termination of his contract if required.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Medical complete, Emile Smith Rowe twist, Gabriel boost
Arsenal 'negotiate' exit fee
Nicolas Pepe still looks set to leave Arsenal this summer despite a Besiktas transfer falling through, with a new club in talks.
According to RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins, an unnamed Saudi Arabian club are planning to make a move for the 28-year-old with Arsenal 'negotiating a transfer fee.'
Pepe hints at Arsenal stay
Nicolas Pepe has hinted that he could remain at Arsenal for the upcoming season in a transfer decision that could save Mikel Arteta and Edu millions.
The Ivory Coast international is still expected to depart but an Instagram post of himself at London Colney has suggested he could remain in north London to provide cover for Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners are not actively searching for an attacking option despite the clear need to lessen the demands on their star attacker.
Besiktas move collapses
Turkish outfit Bestikas were said to be keen on a deal for Pepe but a move has now collapsed, according to recent reports.
Transfer guru Loic Tanzi has reported that the player has turned down the chance to move to the Beşiktaş Stadyumu.
Arsenal contract meeting
Nicolas Pepe’s representatives will meet with Arsenal to discuss the possibility of a contract termination in the coming days, according to GFFN.
football.london understands Pepe is not in Mikel Arteta's plans for the upcoming season. The Ivorian winger spent last season on loan at OGC Nice but the French outfit opted against pursuing a permanent deal this summer.
Besiktas offer
According to Transfermarkt, Besiktas are close to signing Pepe from Arsenal. The Ivorian winger will terminate his contract with the Gunners and secure a free transfer to the Turkish side.
Contract termination
Arsenal are planning to terminate Pepe's contract this summer, should they fail to secure a transfer fee. The Ivorian was not included in the Gunners' pre-season tour of the United States and according to the Mirror, the club are keen to conclude his exit this window.
Arteta stance
Arsenal boss Arteta was asked about Pepe's situation earlier this month. After leaving the winger out of the pre-season squad, he said: “At the moment he is recovering from an injury which is why he’s not here.
“He had a spell on loan and obviously we wanted to get much more than we got from that loan spell. We have to see when we come back, understand what the plans are and make the right decision for him.”
Instagram message
Pepe missed the final part of the 2022/23 season out injured and he doesn't appear to have returned to the club's London Colney training base ahead of their pre-season.
In fact, he has now taken to social media to post a video of himself working out in a gym on his own. Of course, he may still not quite be fit enough to take part in a full training session at the moment, uploading a video of him doing a recovery session with a personal trainer last week in some footage that also revealed him getting some treatment on his right knee.
Read more here.
Interview admission
Pepe confirmed that he would be returning to Arsenal this summer ahead of a decision regarding his future at the Emirates Stadium.
"I will return to Arsenal. I was loaned without an option to buy so I have to go back to Arsenal," he told YouTube channel Colinterview, via the Metro during a recent interview.
"I don't know [about my future] yet. When I get back, I’ll speak with the coach and everyone and see what everyone's ideas are and then we'll make a decision."
Arsenal seeking buyers
Arsenal are seeking buyers for Nicolas Pepe and have no plans to reintegrate the club-record signing into their first-team squad ahead of next season.
OGC Nice decision
According to The Telegraph, Nice are not expected to pursue a permanent move for Pepe, having said at the end of the season that it was the “end of the Nice adventure” for the Ivory Coast international. Pepe played a total of 28 matches for the French club, scoring eight goals.
Pepe is one of the few remaining first-team players who were signed by Arsenal before Mikel Arteta’s appointment in December 2019.
Arsenal contract stance
Pepe is no longer a part of Arteta's plans after falling down the pecking order in the squad towards the end of the 2021/22 season. Arsenal are keen to receive a fee for him, but football.london understands plans have been made for the termination of his contract if required.
The arrival of Leandro Trossard in January will prove to be a replacement for the 28-year-old winger whilst the Gunners are looking to add another versatile forward to their squad this summer.
