Arsenal’s interest in Zaha will surely signal the end for Nicolas Pepe

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It’s safe to say that Nicolas Pepe hasn’t quite lived up to expectations at Arsenal, ever since sealing a move for over £70m a few windows back.

The Ivorian has struggled for any sort of consistency and despite the odd flash of brilliance here and there, most Gunners fans would agree it’s been an underwhelming experience having Pepe involved.

Mikel Arteta has given the winger ample chances to impress this term. And at times, Pepe has delivered. But the problem for the Arsenal man is that those moments of delivery have been too few and far between.

And with Arsenal manager Arteta now said to be keeping an eye, per 90Min, on Wilfred Zaha once again this summer, surely Pepe’s time with the club will be coming to an end?

Pepe a saleable asset of sorts for Arsenal

Of course, any move Arsenal make for Zaha is going to cost a pretty penny. He’s Crystal Palace’s star man and has previously had price tags of around £80m placed on his head.

To fund such a deal, Arteta will need to sell players who can bring cash in and save on wages. Pepe, then, is very much in that category.

According to Spotrac, Pepe earns around £100k-a-week, set to rise to £140k next season. He still has three years left on that deal, too.

Looking at it that way, surely it makes sense for Arsenal to look to sell. Yes, they won’t get anywhere near the fee they paid Lille but Pepe should still attract attention and bring in a sizeable chunk of change.

With Zaha identified, it suggests Pepe is not wanted in North London. Naturally, he should want to move away and prove himself. All in all, it could be a win-win situation for all involved should the Gunners decide to cash-in on Pepe and land Zaha.