Arsenal told to accept £52m bid for Pepe – pundit
Kevin Phillips has urged Arsenal to accept a bid of up to £52million for Nicolas Pepe in January – and free up funds for two potential signings.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 26-year-old has been “a really poor signing” for the Gunners.
When asked about a potential exit for the Ivorian last month (26 November) and quoted by the Evening Standard, manager Arteta insisted he would not entertain any offers in January.
He cost Arsenal a reported £72million in 2019.
As such, Phillips insisted that Arteta should pull a U-turn and sell the winger for £30million less.
When asked about a potential exit for Pepe in the coming months, he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Well, he’s certainly not worth that £72million now – that’s for sure.
“I think everyone will agree that he’s been a really poor signing. He’s shown glimpses but he just hasn’t done it anywhere near regularly enough.
“If I was Arteta, I’d be looking to move him on – even if they take a hit of £20-30million. That would allow you to get one or two players in his place who will give you that consistency.
“He’s on a high wage and sat there just doing nothing. Surely the manager will want players who can take Arsenal forward.”
The Gunners’ record signing has failed to play a single minute in Arsenal’s last five Premier League fixtures.
The Ivorian’s last Gunners start came at the end of October against Leeds in the League Cup.
In other news, a pundit believes this Arsenal big name is fuming with Arteta – “there’s no way he’s going to be happy”.