‘Too inconsistent’: Paul Merson doubts Arsenal will keep ‘frustrating’ star

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Paul Merson believes Arsenal will look to sell Nicolas Pepe in the summer transfer window as the forward is ‘too inconsistent’ and ‘frustrating’ to justify the fee spent, speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (05/03, 12:52).

The Gunners smashed their transfer record to bring Pepe to the Premier League under Unai Emery for £72m in 2019. But they agreed to pay LOSC Lille just £20m up front, with the rest spread over five-years, per the Daily Mail.

However, nearing the three-year stage, the Ivorian is yet to prove he is an essential part at the Emirates Stadium. Particularly under Mikel Arteta this season, the 26-year-old has only been a bit-part player in their plans.

Arteta has given Pepe just 11 top-flight appearances over Arsenal’s 24 games as they target Champions League qualification. The winger has also only started five of his outings for just 535-minutes, one goal and one assist.

Merson doubts Arsenal will keep ‘frustrating’ Pepe this summer

Pepe struck his maiden Premier League goal this season last time out as Arsenal came from behind to beat Wolves. Arteta fielded the 28-cap ace from the bench with 19-minutes left, and saw him deliver his best display this term.

The forward offered a dynamic presence and an outlet for Martin Odegaard to pick out on the Gunners’ right-flank. But Merson feels Arsenal will only want Pepe to thrive now so to secure a good transfer fee this summer.

“Arsenal will be hoping [Pepe plays a role] two ways,” Merson said. “One, that they can get a bit of money back for him at the end of the season. I don’t see him being there next season, he’s just too inconsistent.

“For £72m, he should be bringing that consistency. [His hit against Wolves] is a great goal, a proper goal. He knows where the goal is, his turn, everything. But this is what he’s got, this is the frustrating thing.

“He can do something like that, and next week he can be a three out of 10 and you won’t be shocked. That’s the frustration. I can buy that if he’s a £10m player, he’s a £72m player. So, he’s got it in him, that’s the frustrating thing.”

Pepe will have two-years remaining on his £140k-a-week Arsenal contract when the next transfer window opens. But only a vastly improved run of form in the Champions League chase may secure his north London future.