Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gets funds injection as star's contract ruthlessly 'terminated'

Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has reportedly had his contract terminated ahead of a switch to Besiktas. The winger is one of the players surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium and now looks set to finally depart.

The Ivorian arrived at Arsenal to huge fanfare in 2019 but has been unable to justify his £72million price tag. He bagged eight goals on loan at Nice last season and will leave Arsenal having not played in a competitive game for the club since May 2022.

Pepe returned from that temporary spell to find a host of attacking talent blocking his reintegration. Bukayo Saka enjoyed an excellent season in Pepe’s preferred right-wing role, while Leandro Trossard added depth to the wide department with his arrival in January.

The 28-year-old will now depart having failed to make his mark in North London. A transfer to Besiktas is reported to be close.

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According to Transfermarkt, Pepe’s contract has been terminated to facilitate the move. The former Rennes ace still has a year remaining on his reported £140,000 per-week deal.

Despite not receiving a transfer fee for the former club-record purchase, Mikel Arteta will be pleased at the opportunity to get rid of a high earner from the wage bill. The Spaniard is keen to keep adding to his squad despite already spending well over £200m this summer.

The £105m spent on Declan Rice toppled the previous record purchase of £72m for Pepe. Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber have also arrived at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Arteta has targeted more experience this summer after seeing his side falter in their battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title last season. An inexperienced squad fell away in the final weeks of the campaign, ultimately finishing second.

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Freeing up wages by axing Pepe will leave Arteta some added funds to play with over the coming weeks. The Arsenal boss is reportedly eyeing a new goalkeeper to challenge No 1 shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the Brentford goalkeeper David Raya. The Bees have reportedly been informed by the player of his desire to complete the switch.

Brentford reportedly demanded £40m from Tottenham for Raya earlier in the transfer window, despite the Spaniard having only a year remaining on his contract. Spurs ultimately opted to sign Guglielmo Vicario.