‘Anything can happen’ - Premier League boss discusses future of Newcastle United and Leeds United target

The Magpies are hoping to add two new signings to their squad this month.
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Mikel Arteta has given an insight into the future of reported Newcastle United and Leeds United target Nicolas Pepe.

The 27-year-old winger has remained as an unsused substitute during the Gunners’ Premier League wins against Crystal Palace and Leicester City and looks set to be a peripheral figure once against this season.

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The former Lille star joined the Gunners in a £72million deal during the summer of 2019 but endured a challenging season last time out, making just eight starts in all competitions, with the last coming in a 2-2 home draw against Crystal Palace last October.

That has led to speculation of a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer but Pepe remains a Gunner with the transfer window now in its final fortnight.

A number of French outlets have suggested Nice are keen to take the Ivory Coast international back to Ligue 1 and journalist Dean Jones has stated Pepe would be open to a move to Newcastle as the Magpies look to strenghten their attacking ranks.

Speaking to GiveMeSport earlier this month, he said: “I think that mid-table clubs are interested in him, but I don’t think he’s interested in playing at that level of the Premier League, although Newcastle would interest him because they’re going to challenge for the top six.”

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Leeds United have also been linked with a move for Pepe in recent weeks and Mikel Arteta has given a hint of what could lie ahead for the winger over the remainder of the transfer window.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s visit to Bournemouth, the Gunners boss said of Pepe’s future: “What we can communicate we always do when it’s the right moment.

“We discussed that we have a big squad and we’ve allowed some players to leave. Until the end of the window anything can happen.”