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Leicester City have reportedly shown interest in Nicolas Pepe and that development could hand Arsenal a transfer boost.
THE LOWDOWN: SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS
Nicolas Pepe has failed to hit the heights at Arsenal since joining in a £72m move from Lille in the summer of 2019.
Over the past two seasons, the Ivorian has merely been a fringe member of the Arsenal squad and has even been limited to brief cameos. Throughout the 2021/22 campaign, he made only eight starts across all competitions.
In the current campaign, he is yet to feature for Arsenal at all, even from the bench as Bukayo Saka has now become the undisputed starter on the right flank.
At this point, it makes sense for all parties if Pepe leaves the Emirates and reports have been gathering towards that route, with French side Nice keen on signing the 27-year-old on loan. However, a recent development could change the situation completely, much to Arsenal’s favour.
THE LATEST: LEICESTER WANT PEPE
A host of sides are monitoring Pepe’s situation but French publication Media Foot now claims Leicester are also interested in the Ivorian.
The Foxes have only two wingers in their squad – Marc Albrighton and Harvey Barnes and are keen to bolster their options out wide.
The report did not specify if they want a loan – as Nice do – or a permanent transfer.
THE VERDICT: A POTENTIAL SWAP DEAL?
If reports are to go by, Leicester City’s interest in Pepe would play well into the hands of Arsenal, with the Gunners also chasing a Foxes star in Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian has been one of Arsenal’s biggest summer targets, but for some reason, nothing has materialized beyond the reported interest.
Taking all things into account, Leicester moving for Pepe could allow Arsenal an easier deal for Tielemans. This could allow the Gunners to negotiate a lower fee, or even a potential swap deal.
If a swap deal eventually happens, Arsenal would come out as winners. Indeed, they have been tracking the Belgian for months, and for good reason.
In Tielemans, Arsenal would get a player who has been one of Leicester’s most key men over recent seasons. A midfield duo of Martin Odegaard and the Belgian no doubt looks strong on paper and the same is expected in reality.
On the other hand, Pepe has not been at his best for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta can easily do without him. The Foxes will also have to get the Ivorian to reduce his wages, which is in the range of £140,000-a-week.
However it may be, Arsenal are the winners in this case but we’ll have to wait and see how it all unfolds.
