Arsenal were able to seal a number of exits on transfer deadline day with Rob Holding among the names to depart. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Arthur Okonkwo also left the club on loan deals to Luton Town and Wrexham respectively, however it was a fairly quiet final day of the summer window at Emirates Stadium.
Having acquired Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice in July, with David Raya signing on a season-long loan from the Brentford the following month, the bulk of Arsenal’s business had already been completed. The injury to Timber looked set to change things with the Gunners then exploring the market for a new defender, but no opportunity worth investing in arrived.
In his Manchester United pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed this outcome with a clear seven-word answer. “I don’t expect anybody to come in,” he said in response to the potential of any more arrivals and that was proven correct with Arsenal ending the window with four new signings and 23 players departing on both permanent and temporary moves.
While the deadline has passed in England, several windows across the globe remain open with the Saudi Pro League, Portuguese league and Turkish league as three notable Leagues still able to trade. Both Nicolas Pepe and Cedric Soares were unable to seal expected moves over the last three months, but Arteta still appears to hold hope he can trim the squad with their departures after providing an update on the future of Pepe.
“We are still looking for solutions and there is a lot of communication between his agent and the player and the club at the moment.,” he said. “There is nothing to announce at the moment.” The Ivory Coast international has interest from Saudi Arabia and with their window active until September 7, there is still time to complete a move.
However, that is not a guaranteed outcome and it could potentially be worth keeping him in north London, with Pepe also posting a message on social media hinting he is ready to stay. Late into Friday evening, with no sign of a move, the 28-year-old took to Instagram to show himself working in the gym.
Despite this and a plea from some Arsenal fans to offer him a second chance, Pepe will still likely leave, although Edu’s failed attempts to acquire a Bukayo Saka back-up could see him remain. The England international is often Arsenal’s talisman and he is vitally important to the team, but he has no clear understudy.
Arteta now appears to prefer Reiss Nelson off the left with Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe more likely to play centrally. That tactical switch leaves a massive gap that can be filled by Pepe in games where Saka needs to be rested or is carrying a slight knock.
The Gunners could certainly adapt if the worst-case scenario occurs with Saka, however having a ready-made option in Pepe for the role is a serious option if the month of September also passes and he remains an Arsenal player.
