Arsenal told to seal deal for Nicolas Pepe replacement after agreement reached – pundit
Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed Arsenal should look for a permanent move for Nicolas Pepe to enable them to bring in a “better option”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker said Pepe, 27, is “too inconsistent”.
According to Sky Sports (24 August), Nice have agreed to sign the winger on loan for the 2022-23 campaign.
He is yet to feature for the London club this season and was left out of the matchday squad for that won 3-0 at Bournemouth on Saturday (20 August).
The Ivory Coast international currently has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates.
When asked if Mikel Arteta’s side would prefer a permanent move for Pepe, Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “I think so yes.
“I feel like it has not worked for Pepe there. He’s a very good player but he’s too inconsistent. I feel like the money that they’ve paid for him, they’ll want to get something back.
“It is tough, who’s going to take Pepe? And how much are they going to pay for him? Arteta would like to see him go and definitely bring in a better option with that money, someone more reliable because if [Bukayo] Saka got injured, it will need to be something that they look at.“
Pepe made 23 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions last season.
He scored three goals and provided six assists in those outings.
In other news, an Arsenal idol has issued ‘devastating’ Pedro Neto verdict after journalist’s transfer update.