Arsenal’s Nicolas Pépé the subject of Saudi Arabia interest

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé (28) is the subject of interest from an unnamed Saudi Arabian side, according to a report this Wednesday from RMC Sport.

The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international is expected to leave the Gunners. Pépé, who joined North London from Lille four years ago in a then club-record €80m purchase, has failed to live up to expectations at the Emirates Stadium. The former Angers and Lille striker is entering his final year of contract with Mikel Arteta’s side. He spent the past campaign on loan at INEOS-owned OGC Nice.

This summer, Pépé and Arsenal were in talks over the termination of his contract. The 28-year-old striker was left out of the Premier League side’s pre-season tour. He also did not make the squad for Arsenal’s first two league wins of the current season. It has been reported previously that Beşiktaş was willing to offer Pépé a chance to get his career back on track with a three-year contract, but to no avail with the Ivorian rejecting the Turkish Süper Lig side’s contractual offer.

Now, RMC Sport understands that Saudi Arabia is the most likely destination for Pépé. The outlet adds that an unnamed club from the Gulf Kingdom are pushing to sign the out-of-favour Arsenal man with the Premier League side currently in talks over his transfer fee.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval