Struggling Arsenal midfielder linked with Leeds United loan move

Exclusive: Nicolas Pepe is set to depart Arsenal this summer, with Leeds United his likely next destination. The Ivory Coast forward has struggled at the Emirates since a club record transfer from French side Lille, and Pepe is looking to make a move elsewhere to kickstart his struggling Premier League career.

The Elland Road outfit are set to pay a loan fee for Pepe, worth around £9 million to Arsenal and will pay around 75 percent of the forward's wages, estimated to be £150,000 per week. 

Since arriving at Arsenal in 2019, Pepe has played 80 times for the Gunners, scoring 16 goals, but last season was his most disappointing return yet with just one goal in 20 Premier League appearances.

The arrival of Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira appears to show Mikel Arteta's attentions to rebuild the club's attack, alongside British duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe.

As part of a loan move to Leeds, the club will also have the option to make a deal for Pepe permanent, with a transfer fee of £25 million suggested.