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‘Not enough’: Campbell thinks Arteta will sell ‘phenomenal’ Arsenal star soon if he doesn’t improve
Kevin Campbell has suggested that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will get rid of Nicolas Pepe if he doesn’t take his chances this season.
The Ivorian is Arsenal’s record signing. The Gunners forked out an eye-watering £72 million for Pepe in 2019 (), but after almost two-and-a-half years, we’re yet to see the form that he showed in his final season at Lille.
Pepe, 26, has played 98 games for Arsenal and he has scored just 25 goals. A lot of factors have affected him over the last two years, but that return for a player who cost so much money is simply not enough.
Some Arsenal fans have urged Arteta to cash in on him before it’s too late. Campbell feels that the current campaign may well be the final chance Pepe gets to prove himself before the Gunners make the tough decision.
Campbell: This is the proving season for Nicolas Pepe
Speaking on the subject of selling Pepe, Campbell said on last night: “This is the proving season for Pepe, I believe.
“He will get a chance, it might be in the Carabao Cup, but he will get a chance. He’s got to shine, he has to. If he doesn’t…
“What is it, the third year of a five-year deal? We’re still waiting for him to make the real break out, although he broke out a little bit at the back end of last season. Is that enough for a record signing? It’s not enough!”
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Pepe’s talent, skill and ability on the ball are unquestionable. He can run the length of the pitch and score goals on his own, but consistency has been his biggest problem since moving to England.
That has forced him out of the side. Bukayo Saka’s phenomenal form has made the right-wing spot his own. Emile Smith Rowe has taken over the opposite flank, which has left no room for Pepe, even though Arteta thinks he’s ‘‘.
Chances will be limited for the Ivorian in the coming weeks and months, but when he gets an opportunity, he simply has to take it. If he doesn’t, selling him would be the most sensible option for the Gunners next summer.
