02 August 2023 , 16:35
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Arsenal’s former record signing Nicolas Pepe could be among four players to soon leave the Emirates Stadium after a series of clues were dropped ahead of the clash with Monaco.
The Gunners take on the Ligue 1 giants in their final friendly of pre-season on Wednesday evening at the Emirates Stadium. Two of the Gunners’ summer signings - Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice - were named in the starting line-up for the match.
Whilst supporters in the UK were keen to get a glimpse of their new signings for the first time, there were also a few intriguing hints dropped concerning a series of outgoings. Arsenal’s former record signing Pepe was not named in the squad for the game against Monaco.
His name was also absent from the Gunners’ matchday programme. Whilst the reason for his absence has not been confirmed, it comes at the same time as he is seemingly edging towards the exit door.
Turkish giants Besiktas have been linked with a swoop for the Ivorian winger, whilst recent reports suggested that he could see the remainder of his contract in North London terminated. Pepe spent last season back in France on loan with Nice.
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He is not the only first-team star who could leave before the start of the season. Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares was also missing from both the matchday programme and Arteta’s squad.
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Like Pepe, he spent last season on-loan in France with Marseille. Tavares could also be set to join the wideman in Turkey with Galatasaray having been linked with a swoop for him.
Midfielder Alber Sambi Lokonga is also among the players who could bid farewell to the Emirates sooner rather than later. The Belgian - signed from Anderlecht in 2021 - has been linked with a move to newly-promoted Burnley and his name was also missing.
Finally, academy graduate Arthur Okonkwo has been linked with a switch this summer. Previous reports have suggested that he would be allowed to leave on a permanent basis and given the hint vs Monaco, it appears that he has little future with the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta dropped a series of transfer hints vs Monaco (Getty Images)Whilst those four were excluded, there were still a few intriguing names included on Arsenal’s programme for their clash with Monaco. American defender Auston Trusty is on the verge of quitting the club for Sheffield United.
He has undergone a medical with the Blades but was still present. Finally, Brazilian winger Marquinhos is reportedly closing in on a loan switch to Greek giants Olympiacos but his name was still visible on the programme, whilst he was also named among the substitutes for Wednesday’s clash.
So far, Arsenal have only made two sales this summer despite their £200m transfer outlay. Pablo Mari was allowed to join Monza on a permanent basis, whilst former captain Granit Xhaka completed a move to Bayer Leverkusen.