Arsenal Winger Nicolas Pepe Offered To Newcastle United

Nicolas Pepe has been offered to Newcastle United, according to a report.  

Arsenal signed the Ivorian for £72 million from Lille back in 2019, in a deal that remains a club-record fee. 

However, the move has seemingly failed for all parties involved. Despite showing glimpses of his talismanic quality, the 27-year-old has flattered to deceive during his time in North London. 

According to 90min, Newcastle have been offered the chance to revive the faltering career of the winger. 

Under tycoon ownership, the board on Tyneside are looking to heavily invest in the squad, a group of players that was expertly pushed up the table under Eddie Howe’s stewardship last season. 

Despite the desire to spend greatly, the Magpies are inhibited by Financial Fair Play, meaning the club is required to look for creative uses of their funds. 

Nicolas Pepe may well be the prime example of creative funding. There is clearly a player in the Ivorian, simply not one suited to the Arteta philosophy.

When in a transitional system, the winger shines, using his blistering pace and precise finishing to kill off opponents of the counter.

Unfortunately, this style of play, in accordance with Pepe’s technical deficiencies means that the Gunners boss and the no.19 could never truly mesh. 

It’s unclear what fee Edu and co. would demand for the winger, but attaining anywhere near what they paid Lille three years ago.

If Pepe is to leave this transfer window, he can leave with some fond memories, being a core member of the FA Cup winning side in 2020.

The 27-year-old assisted in both the semi-final and final, on top of being disallowed an all-time great final goal against Chelsea through no fault of his own.

From Pepe’s perspective, he seems adamant on proving his doubter wrong, taking to Instagram to tell detractors:

"I worked hard during the summer. Change lot of things.

"I’m focus[ed] and determined with Arsenal and my teammates."

If the Gunners do indeed get this mentally focused Pepe next season, the tricky winger they bought from France, then Mikel Arteta’s side will be far better off for it.