9 – Nicolas Pepe
Very much a deal that will depend on other movements in the transfer window, with Arteta still keen to strengthen in the wide forward area despite a number of attacking options.
It’s suggested that Arsenal may have to loan out Pepe simply to reduce their wage bill, with no top European clubs after the Ivorian and his bumper wage packet.
Newcastle United have been mooted as potential suitors should they miss out on their number one target of Timo Werner, who would also be available on a loan deal.
However, in a recent update on Instagram, Pepe laid out his statement of intent by committing himself to the Gunners with a rallying cry that looked ahead to the new season.
It’s not a situation where Arsenal absolutely have to shift the player, but someone who is best when playing on a counter attack just doesn’t fit into Arteta’s way of thinking.
The 27-year-old started just three times in the Premier League last season and is now heavily considered to be an understudy to the likes of Saka, Smith-Rowe and Martinelli.
He’s got a LOT of work to do in order to work his way back into this side and the recent threat from Edu may well have given him the kick up the backside he needs.
Edu suggested that often it’s easiest to pay off a player who is over 26 and underperforming, most likely referring to former Arsenal captain, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
And he won’t be afraid to do the same thing to Pepe if things don’t work out and he is registered as an Arsenal player for the 2022/23 campaign.