Nicolas Pepe transfer ‘expected’ as ‘nice package’ to be agreed by Arsenal – Campbell
Kevin Campbell has insisted he “expects” a “nice package” to be agreed for Nicolas Pepe’s Arsenal exit this summer.
The former Gunners striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the “incredible” form of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Martin Odegaard has rendered the 26-year-old useless to Mikel Arteta.
As quoted by the Daily Mail (29 March), Pepe refused to be drawn on a potential Arsenal exit – but conceded he is “frustrated” with his lack of playing time.
The Ivory Coast international, who is contracted until 2024, has managed just eight Gunners starts in all competitions this term.
Pepe joined Arsenal from Lille for a reported club-record £72million fee in 2019.
Campbell insisted the club will not want the winger to “run his contract down” and thus expects a parting of the ways this summer.
“I think the key to this deal could be paying him some money if he wants to leave,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I expect a nice package to be worked out. Because, at the end of the day, Nicolas Pepe wants to play football. He wants to start.
“The fact of the matter is, the youngsters have come in and done such a great job – you can’t justify starting Pepe if you’re Mikel Arteta.
“It’s not that he’s not had the opportunities, but players like Saka, Smith Rowe and Odegaard have just been incredible with their consistency – they aren’t giving him a look in.
“It was always going to come to a head this summer. He’s got two years on his contract.
“Arsenal won’t want to have him running his contract down. If he’s going to leave, it’s going to be this summer.”
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