Arsenal are looking to offload an expensive star who has failed to live up to the heights, with two clubs reportedly interested
(Image credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arsenal may have finally found a taker for a big-money star who has flopped at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have spent around £200 million in the transfer window this summer and are now focussed on outgoings. The most significant sale so far has been a £20m move for Granit Xhaka, with other outgoings difficult to come by.
United States international Folarin Balogun is valued at £50m with few takers able to afford him, rumours of Kieran Tierney leaving have faded in recent weeks and Thomas Partey now appears to be staying, following interest from the Saudi Pro League and Serie A.
Arsenal have struggled to sell players this summer, including the captivating Balogun (Image credit: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
One solution to a long-term problem may have presented itself, however, with both Fenerbahce and Besiktas interested in Nicolas Pepe, according to Turkish outlet Fotomac, via Metro.
Unfortunately though, Arsenal are prepared to cut their losses altogether with a year remaining on the Ivorian's contract and let him walk away for absolutely nothing – having spent £72m acquiring him from Lille in 2019.
Why Jurrien Timber Is A Perfect Fit For Arsenal
The winger was signed as a marquee statement of intent for former manager Unai Emery in the wake of the Gunners being hammered 4-1 by Chelsea in the Europa League final in Baku. Pepe was coming off of a season in which he'd hit 22 goals in 38 for Les Dogues, yet he's netted just 16 in 80 Premier League appearances.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
