Arsenal linked with nonsense Nicolas Pepe deadline day transfer

This January transfer window has already coughed up a host of surprises for Arsenal and their supporters, and just when you don’t think it can get any more barmy, something else crops up.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, for example, is closing in on a loan move to Barcelona, with him even seen pictured at El Prat airport. It makes a deal seem close. And while one is in the offing, neither Barcelona nor Arsenal expected the 32-year-old to make the journey.

Whiffs of Peter Odemwingie permeate in the air.

Once he does complete his move – which is expected – it will leave Arsenal short in attacking areas. Just Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah remain as recognised striker options.

Arsenal to sanction nonsense Nicolas Pepe deadline day transfer as Mikel Arteta and Edu continue trimming squad in January window

Other areas of the pitch have been weakened in terms of depth as well, with Arsenal now boasting just three central defenders in Rob Holding, Gabriel and Benjamin White, while there are only four central midfielders on the books.

As for forward areas, the right side of the attack is owned by Bukayo Saka, who, touch wood, will be in the team every week between now and the end of the season. Were anything to happen to him, the drop off in quality by bringing Nicolas Pepe into the fold is stark.

Nonetheless, the Ivorian a vital component of this team now given the lack of depth, and he contributes with goals and assists despite grater measures of frustration. So, a report from 90min stating that Arsenal are prepared for Pepe to leave on loan before the deadline is nonsense. Madness, or nonsense.

An unnamed Spanish club are said to be confident of striking a deal, while German and French sides have also registered an interest.

Pepe, whose Ivory Coast side crashed out of AFCON on penalties against Egypt, has already flown over to Dubai to link up with his teammates. It would be a particularly bizarre detour to take if the additional flying time takes him further away from potential destinations. Cameroon to Dubai is not a short journey.

More importantly, as incredible as it is that Arsenal are not set to replace Aubameyang in the squad, heading into the final 17 matches of the Premier League season with only Bukayo Saka to play out on the right would constitute the most insane piece of business the club could sanction. Lose Saka for whatever reason and the situation is beyond dire, but to then have nobody in reserve to fill that role takes it to a whole new level.

Either Arsenal are incredibly stupid, or this is a whole load of nonsense. We know what side of the argument we fall on.