Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe would be willing to take a substantial wage cut this summer to leave the club and join Besiktas.
That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey who was speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast.
Bailey shared that Pepe was one of the highest earners at Arsenal and yet Besiktas will only be paying a nominal fee.
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He confirmed that Pepe was willing to take a big pay cut just to leave the club and play his football elsewhere.
Bailey said: “I found he’s on £250,000 a week Nicolas Pepe at Arsenal. He’s one of their highest paid players.
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“So getting him off the bill, Besiktas are paying a nominal fee.
“And I’m told actually that Pepe is taking a big pay cut here just to get out, just to go.”
This is a situation Arsenal would have never envisioned back in 2019.
Nicolas Pepe arrived at the club for £72m and was set to be the flagship player of the Unai Emery era.
Fast forward to now and Arsenal are doing everything they can to help Pepe leave the side to join Besiktas.
Pepe willing to take huge pay cut to leave Arsenal for Besiktas
Of course Nicolas Pepe deserves a lot of credit for his professionalism during his last few years at Arsenal.
Some fans remain baffled that Pepe hasn’t gone on to be a success at the club.
Pepe had some excellent moments in his first season and looked like he was settling well in North London.
However, chances then became very limited and the club were happy to let Pepe leave on loan.
Pepe has rarely spoken ill of Arsenal’s decision, one that has seemed harsh on the winger.
But with Pepe now close to joining Besiktas, it seems his Arsenal conundrum may finally be over.
Pepe will surely leave Arsenal with a lot of fondness from Arsenal fans who will only want to see him do well in his next chapter.