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.
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.
Fokacenrtu
0
We want Tielemans please,
kolonegooner
0
the spot was his to have, don't feel he seized the chance ..... IMO ... i truly believe he adds nothing but value... has his time run out?
think we both agree on that ,,,,,, lets hope he stays n becomes a regular
itsdjepic
0
what a business for gunners!!! bought with 72 and selling at 25?? pepe is like the pogba of gunners
At least we got some money unlike pogba and united.
somoy11
0
Pepe is not that bad he should get some more time like 1 or 2 seasons more
Miockmnt
2
pepe is afraid of attacking and beating opponents
Mariovic_10
5
Should have been Zaha all along🤦🏾♂️
Nohabiortz
0
the spot was his to have, don't feel he seized the chance ..... IMO ... i truly believe he adds nothing but value... has his time run out?
maybe or maybe not...I personally think he still got talent
kolonegooner
0
he needs playing time
the spot was his to have, don't feel he seized the chance ..... IMO ... i truly believe he adds nothing but value... has his time run out?
Madcap_237
0
how on earth did arsenal to pay £72 million on this guy? Even Halland didn't cost that much
He was REALLY good at Lille similar to Osihmen
kisilah
0
nothing personal but pepe should already be gone by now.
Ozbert
1
Pepe's transfer to the Emirates was a mistake in the first place, out of 4 games this guy shines in half of them, overrated by football pundits and Arsenal fans
Ozbert
0
Pepe's transfer to the Emirates was a mistake in the first place, out of 4 games this guy shines in half of them
mPROFESSOR
0
how on earth did arsenal to pay £72 million on this guy? Even Halland didn't cost that much
quantized
4
Sevilla coming with £15m something must be wrong with them.
Nohabiortz
0
i agree .... but why is it taking so long to show on a regular basis
he needs playing time
kolonegooner
0
Pepe is a talented player...he needs love
i agree .... but why is it taking so long to show on a regular basis
Nohabiortz
0
how much Bro .... frustrating cause I know his talents.
Pepe is good
kolonegooner
0
Pepe is a talented player...he needs love
how much Bro .... frustrating cause I know his talents.
kolonegooner
0
How much babying does this boy need ..... total flop, no desire to be the best, overly talented but it's a waste.....NOW, cause we look the part at the moment , HE wants to be REconsidered .... sell sell sell
Nohabiortz
2
Pepe is a talented player...he needs love
jinaciknru
0
depdkmopsu
2
Terminate the contract if it is not ready
liuabckpsz
2
He should for 25 rather than free like pogba.
AKKayina
2
what a business for gunners!!! bought with 72 and selling at 25?? pepe is like the pogba of gunners
Joccdisyz
0
Joccdisyz
2
MUTINDO
3
Hope the curving master doesn't deserve to be called a problem... Respect to each other... Football a game not a war ❤️🤍🔥🔥🔥...
sohbklruyz
2
.ship him out
sohbklruyz
2
sell the flop and get a zaha
fourthorty430
2
Pepe could not pepper the opponents in english premiership, the reason he's being moved away..
Humancal44
3
Get Kounde done
Jizbdkmnpy
3
let him sty