Nicolas Pepe, an exile from Arsenal, has returned to the team to train, but his long-term future is still up in the air after he turned down a move away from the Emirates Stadium.
After declining a chance to leave the club during the summer transfer window, Nicolas Pepe has resumed training at Arsenal.
The Ivorian winger, 28, moved to the Emirates from Lille in 2019, becoming the club’s record signing. However, he has found it difficult to contribute in the Premier League.
Pepe returned to France for the 2022–23 season and spent time on loan at OGC Nice after falling down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. The forward still has one year remaining on his contract and is free to leave Arsenal before the September 1 deadline, but he hasn’t been able to work out a deal with any suitors regarding a long-term exit to date.
Pepe posted a quick video on his Instagram story of himself alone in the Arsenal dressing room while rumors about his future still abound. The winger is reportedly training by himself at the club.
Pepe has already rejected a proposal from Besiktas, despite being unnecessary at the Emirates, it was discovered earlier this week via L’Equipe. If a transfer doesn’t happen before the window closes the following week, it’s unclear if Arteta would be willing to reintegrate him into the Arsenal team.
Pepe scored eight goals in all competitions for Nice last season, but a long-term transfer does not seem likely. Arsenal has flourished without him, with players like Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka performing exceptionally well in wide attacking positions.
Following the signings of David Raya, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz this summer, Arsenal is attempting to reduce their roster before the transfer deadline the following week.
Arteta acknowledged that the size of his playing roster was “unsustainable” prior to the start of the new season amid rumors that numerous fringe players, including Pepe, were on the verge of leaving.
We have 30 players here, which is unsustainable, Arteta said about the club’s transfer policy in an interview last month. Obviously, there is still time for events to occur and the market is still open. We are organized.
“I’m really pleased with the squad we currently have. Although we still have work to do, we are generally very happy with the team. We have room for improvement in terms of what we want to do in games. “.
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