Arsenal winger Nicolás Pepe (on loan at OGC Nice) is reportedly set to leave the Premier League club as he is not part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Pepe, 27, fell down the ranks at the Emirates at the start of the season. He was sent to Nice to earn first-team opportunities. The Ivorian attacker has scored eight goals and provided one assist in 24 inter-competition games. According to L’Equipe, it may not be long before the former LOSC Lille striker leaves the Gunners for good.
Al Niza and Pepe have three months left to find out if they can continue their career at the Allianz Riviera permanently. The Ligue 1 club will wait to make a decision on a possible permanent transfer by analyzing his performances in the remainder of the season.
Pepe is happy to go Arsenal, since it is not part of Arteta’s plans. He failed to impress following an €80 million move to the club from Lille in 2018. He scored 27 goals and provided 21 assists in 112 games, not living up to his hefty price tag.
The Ivorian has one year left on his contract with the Gunners, who can look to take advantage of him in the summer. Transfermarkt values him at 22 million euros.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard hails Gabriel Jesus’ return from injury
Jesús missed three months of action after sustaining a serious knee injury in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar with Brazil.
He was in impressive form before the setback, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 27 games in all competitions this season. He made his first appearance since coming off the bench in a 3-0 Premier League win over Fulham on 12 March.
Gunners captain Odegaard is delighted to have the Brazilian back as he brings valuable experience and leadership to the team. The Norwegian said (via 90min):
“He’s a great addition to the team again. He gives a lot every day in training; he goes in and trains like it’s a game.”
odegaard continued:
“He gives his all in all situations, so it’s great to have him back. Of course he helps with leadership; he’s been at Manchester City and won a few things there, so he can also help with his experience and energy. “. .”
Jesus arrived at Arsenal from manchester city last summer alongside his former teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko. Odegaard added that the duo’s experience of winning league titles with the Cityzens is crucial:
“The City players (Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko) just bring a different thought; they have the experience and people listen to them when they speak. They are calm under pressure and add a lot of things. The whole team helps each other, so that’s the most important.”
Arsenal move eight points clear of City at the top of the Premier League with a win over Crystal Palace on Sunday (March 19). Pep Guardiola’s side are not in league action this weekend, having beaten Burnley 6-0 in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday (March 18).
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