Arsenal are now hoping to sell Nicolas Pepe for more than just him not performing, as they seek to tie down Bukayo Saka to a new contract with the club.
Pepe has been on the periphery of things this season and has been left out by Mikel Arteta even when there has appeared to be an opening in the squad. The Ivorian winger – who remains Arsenal’s record signing – is said to have changed agents in the hope of sealing a move away this summer.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, via Caughtoffside, Arsenal’s plan is now to sell Pepe in order to fund their new contract offer to their young star, Bukayo Saka. The Gunners youngster has been outstanding all season long and is seen as the key player in Arsenal’s future.
Of course, the Gunners board are keen to tie Saka down anyway. But it’s claimed by Romano that the club are looking to bring in funds from the Pepe sale and put that straight towards sealing Saka’s new contract.
Pepe, who former Gunner Paul Merson has actually called outstanding in the past, has been linked with a move to Italian champions, AC Milan. It’s expected he will fetch around £25m, a significant loss on the £70m+ Arsenal shelled out to Lille.
TBR’s View: Arsenal Need New Saka Contract Sorted As A Priority
As harsh as it is, if selling Pepe for whatever figure is going to ensure Bukayo Saka signs a new contract, then Arsenal need to get this sorted quickly.
Pepe has had his chances and not delivered. There is simply no place in this Arsenal team for him now. For Saka, meanwhile, he is the present and the future of the club.
Saka needs tying down to fresh terms and quickly. If Arsenal don’t, then the Champions League clubs will be sniffing and making their move quickly.