As rumours about the club’s striking interests continue to swirl and fans try to speak the return of former Gunner Serge Gnabry into existence, it appears a big window of offensive change is on the cards at Arsenal this summer which may well mark the end of Nicolas Pepe’s ill-fated stint in north London.
The club-record signing observed his 27th birthday earlier this week but, in truth, there has been little cause for celebration on the pitch in recent times. Pepe was limited to just five league starts during the 2021/22 campaign – the last of which came in October – and has since instructed his new agent to secure a move away from the Emirates (apparently).
https://twitter.com/GOALAfrica/status/1530775947561078784
However, while his three-year stay with the Gunners will not be too fondly remembered, the Ivorian remains a very skilful player blessed with pace and great composure in front of goal. His adaptation issues at Arsenal were likely compounded by his unsuitability to Mikel Arteta’s patient, possession-based system and, if the right team can be found, he could yet thrive elsewhere.
Who are the candidates competing for the signature of Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe this summer?
Therefore, there will be a few suitors vying for his signature when the market opens next week, and here are five teams who might be tempted to make an offer.
1. West Ham
Nicolas Pepe scored a peach against West Ham back in 2019. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Although a move abroad might be considered more advisable, Pepe may still harbour ambitions of proving his mettle on the Premier League stage and West Ham have emerged as a possible domestic destination.
Suggestions of East-end interest have intensified in media circles over the last month and, upon closer inspection, the Hammers seem to be a good tactical fit for the former Lille star’s explosive style. Often set up in a 4-5-1 formation, David Moyes’ outfit typically favour a low defensive line and allow opponents to have the ball before forcing turnovers in their own half, where they subsequently invoke their direct footballing philosophy and aim passes into the channels to capitalise on transitional opportunities.
Our London rivals also frequently task their full-backs with overlapping in support of the wingers and encourage wide players to drift into central areas, a ploy that would maximise Pepe’s ability as he is at his best when cutting inside and afforded space by indecisive defenders.
Available for the bargain price of £25m, West Ham might view him as a suitable replacement for the departing Andriy Yarmolenko as they’ll be keen to bolster their resources ahead of another European adventure next season. It is certainly a viable option.
Suitability Rating: 7/10
Continued on the next slide…
good tactical fit for the former Lille star’s explosive style</a>. Often set up in a 4-5-1 formation, David Moyes’ outfit typically favour a low defensive line and allow opponents to have the ball before forcing turnovers in their own half, where they subsequently invoke their direct footballing philosophy and aim passes into the channels to capitalise on transitional opportunities.</p>
<p>Our London rivals also frequently task their full-backs with overlapping in support of the wingers and encourage wide players to drift into central areas, a ploy that would maximise Pepe’s ability as he is at his best when cutting inside and afforded space by indecisive defenders.</p>
<p>Available for the bargain price of £25m, West Ham might view him as a suitable replacement for the departing Andriy Yarmolenko as they’ll be keen to bolster their resources ahead of another European adventure next season. It is certainly a viable option.</p>
<p><strong>Suitability Rating: 7/10</strong></p>
<p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #2 potential Pepe suitor </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h2><strong>2. Sevilla</strong></h2>
<div id="attachment_125602" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-125602" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2250,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1331852018.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Nico" width="3200" height="2250" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1331852018.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1331852018-768x540.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Pepe will likely favour a move abroad. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
<p>The second potential solution takes us further afield and to the warmer climes of Spain, where Europa League specialists Sevilla are said to be open for business.</p>
<p>Pepe has reportedly caught the eye of Los Rojiblancos Sporting Director Monchi and would again suit the system of manager Julen Lopetegui as he shares systematic similarities with Moyes. The Spaniard also has a fetish for inverted wingers and typically urges his full-backs to join the attack.</p>
<p>There could be a few difficulties to contend with as the former Spain boss likes to dominate possession and demands intense pressing to recover the ball quickly, while the prevalence of technically secure teams in La Liga indicates Pepe’s counter-attacking forte might not serve him well at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium.</p>
<p>However, Lopetegui is known for giving his forwards licence to make their own choices in the final third and employs a fluid offensive structure which the Ivorian would gain great benefit from, as he excels when permitted to vary the tempo and can use speed and trickery to dazzle the opponent.</p>
<p>It is a proposition that definitely has pros and cons but, with Champions League football adding to the allure, a move to Seville may be too good to ignore.</p>
<p><strong>Suitability Rating: 6/10</strong></p>
<p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #3 potential Pepe suitor </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h2>3. PSG</h2>
<div id="attachment_126503" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-126503" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1924,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1137214364.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="1924" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1137214364.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1137214364-768x462.jpeg 768w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1137214364-268x162.jpeg 268w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">The Ivorian has fond memories of playing PSG. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
<p>The prospect of past comforts could be a priority for Pepe as he considers the next stage of his career, and previous success in France makes PSG a strong contender for his services.</p>
<p>How the French-born forward would fare in Paris is hard to say, with the club shrouded in executive uncertainty and head coach Mauricio Pochettino still expected to leave in the near future, but there are nevertheless favourable circumstances that may help to facilitate a transfer.</p>
<p>One such development is the imminent arrival of Luis Campos as the Parisians’ new Director of Sport. The respected Portuguese is said to have agreed a three-year contract with the Ligue 1 champions and is known to admire Pepe’s talents having played a key role in bringing him to Lille in 2017, where his outstanding performances later drew the attention of the Arsenal hierarchy.</p>
<p>PSG have an obvious financial advantage if a move was to materialise and will be on the lookout for a new attacker following Angel Di Maria’s departure at the end of the season. Perhaps the company of a star-studded cast will help Pepe to rediscover his clinical touch.</p>
<p><strong>Suitability Rating: 4/10</strong></p>
<p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #4 potential Pepe suitor </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h2><strong>4. Marseille</strong></h2>
<div id="attachment_126504" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-126504" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2104,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1043762774.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2104" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1043762774.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1043762774-768x505.jpeg 768w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1043762774-850x560.jpeg 850w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Could Marseille make a move for Pepe? (Photo by PHILIPPE HUGUEN / AFP) (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
</div>
<p>Alternatively, our wantaway star might instead opt for the French south coast and push for a move to PSG’s ‘Classique’ rivals Marseille.</p>
<p>The Olympians are back on the market after their transfer ban was temporarily postponed, pending an appeal hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October, and the gung-ho approach of manager Jorge Sampaoli means they could take advantage of Pepe’s availability.</p>
<p>The eccentric Argentine urges his side to move the ball quickly and encourages them to exploit opponents on the counter-attack, which again <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/30/keep-sell-arsenal-nicolas-pepe/">plays to the strengths of our number 19 as he thrives in transition</a>. Wingers are asked to do a lot of work in this system to provide receiving options for ball-playing defenders and each squad member must be comfortable in a variety of positions for rotation, with Marseille’s aim always to get their forwards into one-on-one situations and fashion chances through individual skill.</p>
<p>It is Bielsa-inspired chaos that can be hard to resist, gives freedom to the frontline and makes for a compelling watch, and, on paper, this seems to be an ideal place for Pepe to re-ignite his career.</p>
<p><strong>Suitability Rating: 8/10</strong></p>
<p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #5 potential Pepe suitor </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h2><strong>5. Lyon</strong></h2>
<div id="attachment_126505" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-126505" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1068457684.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1068457684.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1068457684-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">What could’ve been, eh? (Photo by Angelo Blankespoor/Soccrates/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
<p>A final way to resolve Pepe’s transfer conundrum could involve a team further inland, where another French club in the form of Lyon have been mentioned as a prospective buyer.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_126494" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>Just like Sampaoli’s penchant for an exciting brand of football, Les Gones also strive to play on the front foot and have become one of the hardest pressing sides in Europe under Peter Bosz, who is credited with nurturing some of the sport’s brightest talents such as Kai Havertz, Jadon Sancho and Matthijs de Ligt.</p>
<p>To realise this thrilling offensive vision, Bosz sets his side up to execute a passing-based style and retain possession, while instructing two roaming number 8s to advance with attacking intent and create a variety of options both around and inside the box.</p>
<p>The former Ajax boss’ tactical tastes ask an awful lot of the forwards, and perhaps the onus on them as the first line of defence to chase down ball carriers and shadow mark to neutralise attacks would be too demanding for Pepe, who is not thought to be the hardest trainer at London Colney.</p>
<p>However, he was required to track back and help out defensively during his time at Lille and so maybe a bit of work in that respect – alongside potentially rich attacking rewards – means Lyon will still appeal. Although, a lack of European football probably leaves them with an outside chance of completing a move.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="N3hZ2LxgfR"><p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/30/keep-sell-arsenal-nicolas-pepe/">Keep or sell? What should Arsenal do with Nicolas Pepe?</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/31/5-potential-suitors-for-arsenal-forward-nicolas-pepe/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/05/30/keep-sell-arsenal-nicolas-pepe/embed/#?secret=N3hZ2LxgfR" data-secret="N3hZ2LxgfR" width="500" height="282" title="“Keep or sell? What should Arsenal do with Nicolas Pepe?” — Pain in the Arsenal" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p></div>
<p><strong>Suitability Rating: 6/10</strong></p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">
