After announcing his decision to change agents, Arsenal may have received the clearest indication yet that Nicolas Pepe is planning a move away this summer.
‘I totally trust Luis Ferrer and his staff to help me make the correct choices, and go to new summits and challenges in the best possible way,’ the 26-year-old revealed the switch in an Instagram post. My family and I are excited to see what comes next.’
Pepe was reported to be evaluating his options by Sports Deputy in January after making only five Premier League appearances, the latest of which was in October of last year. The player has expressed his dissatisfaction with his lack of playing time, but recognizes that it is tough for the manager to make significant changes while the squad is performing well.
“It’s difficult for a coach to make changes when a team is winning,” he remarked. “Mikel Arteta has expressed that to me, and the coach is aware of my thoughts and efforts.” With the language barrier, communication might be difficult at times. It’s been a difficult season for me.
“Of course, not being able to play is aggravating. No player appreciates being unable to participate, but I must respect the coach’s choice, and the squad is currently performing well.”
Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli have all surpassed him in the pecking order, and it does not appear that this will alter very soon. Arsenal have agreed to pay £3 million for Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos, according to Sports Deputy.
The left-footed winger is seen as a ‘potential star,’ but he may be given the opportunity to shine during pre-season, and if he does, Pepe’s possibilities may dwindle even further. Arteta is expected to add at least two new forwards to his frontline this summer, with the club confident in a deal to recruit Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
‘The past year had been trying (for Pepe), but we both trust more than ever in his potential and know that the current season will be an amazing triumph,’ wrote Ferrer, Pepe’s new agent, in response to his client’s comments.
