Nicolas Pepe should consider leaving for the sake of his career.
That’s the view of Liverpool legend John Barnes, who feels the winger doesn’t suit Arsenal’s style of play.
Pepe has played just 18 games in all competitions this season, with three goals and five assists to his name, leading to suggestions he could be moved on in the summer.
Arsenal forked out £72m to sign him from Lille in 2019 but Barnes feels they should now look to cash in when the transfer window opens in the summer.
‘The style of football at Arsenal clearly doesn’t suit Nicolas Pepe as much as Lille’s did. As a player, you have to find a club that suits you,’ he told .
‘It’s okay to say a player should be moved on, but if he’s got a contract, you can’t always just sell them if they don’t want to go. And equally, players cannot force a club to sell them.
‘For the sake of his own career, he may feel it is best to move on. And if Arsenal receives a bid that they deem sufficient, it could happen. It’s clearly not worked out.
‘If there’s a compromise between Nicolas, the club and all other parties then it’s best that he accepts it. Arsenal will get a bit of money back and can use it to buy someone.’
Pepe is under contract with the Gunners until the summer of 2024 but recently hinted he would consider his options amid admitting his frustrations at a lack of playing time this season.
‘I am focused on how well we do until the end of the season and the club’s target, which is getting into the Champions League. Then we will see what happens,’ he said ahead of Ivory Coast’s 3-0 defeat to England on Tuesday.
‘It is an honour to play for Ivory Coast. he most important thing is to enjoy your football. That is something I am able to do when I get the chance to play.
‘It is happening at international level [getting game time] and a bit less so at club level.
‘It is frustrating not to play. No player enjoys not playing but I have to respect the coach’s decision.
‘When a team is winning it is hard for a coach to make changes. Mikel has explained that to me and I know I have to work hard in training to get more playing time.
‘The coach knows what I think and how hard I am working. It is also about communication. Sometimes it is not easy to communicate with the language barrier.
‘It has been a tough season for me.’
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