Why Martin Odegaard can benefit from 'next Thierry Henry' completing Arsenal transfer exit
Nicolas Pepe is expected to leave Arsenal this week after Mikel Arteta made it clear he is not in his plans for the 2023/24 campaign
Martin Odegaard could be an unlikely beneficiary from Nicolas Pepe's imminent exit from Arsenal. The Ivorian winger now has interest from a Saudi Pro League club, whilst Besiktas are prepared to offer a nominal fee to sign the 28-year-old.
“Despite reports that a move for Nicolas Pepe to Besiktas is back on, I don’t have this information, as things stand,” Romano told Caught Offside.
“We will see what happens with Besiktas as interest is there since long time but I’m not aware of a done deal. Arsenal hope to find any solution for him as he’s 100% out of Mikel Arteta’s project.”
Pepe was signed for a then-club record fee of £72million back in 2019 - but his time at the Emirates Stadium has not been a success. It has been some fall from grace for Pepe, who was compared to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry by Graeme Souness in February 2020 following a brilliant goal against Newcastle.
The Liverpool icon said on Sky Sports: "I think there is a real, real player in there. You think of their best ever player Thierry [Henry], he came here and didn't have a great first season, took some time, and I see Pepe being a star here, great feet, electric and still a baby."
Now, according to transfer insider the Secret Scout, the Gunners have received a proposal from Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab for Pepe. Writing on X (Formerly Twitter), he said: "Excl - Understand Pepe have received a proposal from Saudi club Al Shabab.
"Arsenal looking for a fee of around £2m. Representatives are out in Saudi to work on and complete deal."
This could see Odegaard benefit from Pepe's exit with the club looking to shift the Ivorian's
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