Mikel Arteta wants Everton-linked Nicolas Pepe sold in January

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants Everton target Nicolas Pepe sold in the January transfer window, according to Jeunes Footeux.

The Frenchman, who broke the record for being Arsenal’s most expensive signing has fallen out of favour with the Spaniard.

Everton have been named as one of the suitors of the 26-year-old with the likes of Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

Everton

All the clubs keen on signing him have been handed a boost as not only has he been demoted to the bench at the Emirates Stadium, but that the club are desperate to let go of him in January.

The report also states that the London club will be open to accepting a loan with an option to buy – such is their plight to offload the French attacker.

Whether or not he will be a good fit for Rafa Benitez’s side is another question altogether, but should the Toffees want to sign him, they should have a fairly comfortable road to achieving it.

Pepe is clearly a skilful player with an end product, although that has been questioned of late.

Everton

He can certainly terrify defences on his day and given how Benitez sets his teams up, he could be perfect to play on the counter-attack.

His finishing may need to be polished a little bit, but the Spaniard has an impressive track record of improving players and could give Pepe the chance to silence his critics at his second club in England.

In other Everton news, fans will be thrilled after Fabrizio Romano shares major January transfer update

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