Nicolas Pepe has ‘six months’ to save Arsenal career after picture emerges – pundit
Arsenal will look to move on Nicolas Pepe if he does not perform between now and the end of the season.
That is the view of former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about “a big six months” ahead for the 26-year-old.
As pictured on his personal Instagram (3 February), Pepe confirmed he had returned to Arsenal training after partaking in the African Cup of Nations for Ivory Coast.
Pepe has made just 12 appearances this season and has not started a league match since October.
The winger’s contract at the Emirates runs until the summer of 2024.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his thoughts on Pepe’s situation, Campbell said: “It’s a big six months for Pepe.
“I have always thought that this is the prove-it year for Pepe. After this season he will have two years left on his contract. They need to cash in or renew his contract this summer.
“I’m not too sure what Mikel Arteta is going to do with him because with [Martin] Odegaard, [Bukayo] Saka and [Gabriel] Martinelli the team has been more productive.
“Pepe does have quality, we know that. But he is up and down in the Premier League. This is his third season at Arsenal. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance but no consistency.
“If he produces for the last half of the season then he may have a future at the club. I’m not holding my breath though.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire ‘expects’ Arsenal will spend big in the summer after ‘£41million’ boost.