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

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.

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.”

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.”