Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he no longer has plans for a certain Arsenal player, describing him as unremarkable. The player in question is Nicolas Pépé, who returned to Arsenal this summer after a loan spell with OGC Nice. However, Pépé quickly realized that he wasn’t part of Arteta’s plans for the 2023-24 season. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Pépé has reached an agreement for a short-term contract with Trabzonspor in Turkey.
This move comes as no surprise, given Pépé’s exclusion from Arteta’s plans. The Ivorian winger underwent a physical examination on Friday, signaling that the deal is nearing completion. Romano reported that the contract will run until June 2024, making it a short-term arrangement.
From a financial perspective, this move will benefit Arsenal significantly. Pépé was earning an annual salary of £7.28 million while at the Emirates Stadium, which put a significant strain on the club’s wage structure. Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining a sustainable salary structure. This move aligns with that goal and will likely result in substantial cost savings for the club.
Edu’s philosophy regarding high-earning players above the age of 26 is clear. He believes that if a player is not performing up to their salary, it becomes problematic. This stance is in line with his commitment to building a competitive team without being burdened by excessive wages. The decision to offload Pépé is aimed at preventing any dressing room issues and ensuring a harmonious team environment.
