Nicolas Pepe Set to Leave Arsenal for Besiktas
Nicolas Pepe is closing in on a move to Besiktas, with Arsenal finding an exit route for the expensive flop after the transfer window has closed in England. The winger joined the Gunners from Lille in the summer of 2019 for an incredible £72m and failed to live up to that whopping price tag over three seasons in the first team.
The Ivory Coast international made 112 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, scoring 27 goals, but completely fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta. Pepe was so far down the pecking order that he spent all of last season on loan back in France with Nice, where he scored eight goals in 28 appearances.
Nice were not keen to make the deal permanent and it seemed that Arsenal were struggling to find a buyer for the Ivorian who is on substantial wages but is not in the first team plans. Pepe has one year left on his contract and the club were considering terminating the deal early, but it seems they have found a way to avoid paying him off.
L’Equipe report that Besiktas are in advanced talks to sign Pepe this summer and a deal is likely to be done, with the transfer window in Turkey remaining open until Friday 15 September. Arsenal will likely receive a nominal fee from the Turkish side, but more importantly get his wages off their books and put an end to an expensive and unsuccessful venture.
On Pepe’s future, Arteta said last week: ‘We are still looking for solutions.’ Besiktas have already snapped up Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer this summer after the midfielder left Liverpool, with the team competing in the Europa Conference League this season.
Analysis: Is This the Right Move for Pepe?
Nicolas Pepe’s move to Besiktas looks like it could be a good move for both parties. For Arsenal, they will be able to offload a player who has failed to live up to expectations and free up some much needed wages. For Pepe, he will be able to get his career back on track and prove that he can still be a top player.
Besiktas are a club on the rise and have already made some impressive signings this summer. They will be competing in the Europa Conference League this season and will be looking to make an impact in Europe. With Pepe’s experience and quality, he could be a key player for them as they look to make their mark on the continent.
It remains to be seen if this move will work out for both parties, but it looks like it could be a win-win situation. Arsenal will be able to get rid of an expensive flop, while Pepe will have the chance to revive his career at a club that is looking to make waves in Europe.
Conclusion
Nicolas Pepe is set to leave Arsenal for Besiktas this summer, with the Gunners finding an exit route for the expensive flop after the transfer window has closed in England. Arsenal will likely receive a nominal fee from the Turkish side, but more importantly get his wages off their books and put an end to an expensive and unsuccessful venture.
For Pepe, this could be a great opportunity to get his career back on track and prove that he can still be a top player. Besiktas are a club on the rise and have already made some impressive signings this summer. With Pepe’s experience and quality, he could be a key player for them as they look to make their mark on the continent.
Only time will tell if this move will work out for both parties, but it looks like it could be a win-win situation.