How Kounde transfer could help Arsenal solve Nicolas Pepe problem

James Shearman

• Updated: 25 Jul 2022 10:24 CDT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are keen to see Nicolas Pepe move on this summer after failing to make an impression during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

That objective, however, is proving to be difficult, and may require the help of Chelsea and Barcelona target Jules Kounde.

The Gunners want to recoup a decent part of the £72 million spent on the Ivory Coast international back in 2019.

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But there are few clubs out there willing to spend on a player who has under-performed since his move from Lille and who endured a horrendous 2021-22 season.

Pepe managed just one Premier League goal and two assists in the entire campaign, a record that has convinced Arsenal it is time to cut their losses on the forward.

How Kounde could help Arsenal sell Nicolas Pepe

Sevilla entered negotiations with Arsenal over Nicolas Pepe last week, but the La Liga club's lack of finances presented a significant problem.

Pepe is on a reported £140,000-a-week contract at Arsenal, and is only willing to come down to £100,000 with Sevilla.

Add to that, the six-time Europa League winners are looking to pay a fee of £15m for the 27-year-old.

The Gunners, on the other hand, are refusing to drop their £25m asking price, meaning an agreement is unlikely.

However, Sevilla are on the verge of selling centre-back Jules Kounde to either Chelsea or Barcelona, in a deal which will see them receive at least £50m.

This influx of cash would then give them more than enough funds to bring Pepe to Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

Pepe's comments on Arsenal future

Nicolas Pepe's latest Instagram post suggests he wants to fight for a place at Arsenal under head coach Mikel Arteta.

''I worked hard during the summer. Changed a lot of things,'' Pepe captioned the post showing him in pre-season action in America.

''I'm focused and determined with Arsenal and my team-mates,'' he added.

But while Pepe is hoping for another chance to impress at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners hierarchy would surely cash in for a fee of £25m, funding future transfer activity.