Pepe is no longer a part of Arteta's plans after being left out of the squad towards the end of the 2021/22 season, football.london understands. The Ivorian has just one year left on his current contract, and although Arsenal are keen to receive a fee for him, plans have been made for the termination of his contract if required.
Balogun is attracting interest from rival clubs in the Premier League and across Europe following a stellar loan spell in France last term. The USMNT international wants to play regular football next season - which is not a guarantee at Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah ahead of him - with the north Londoners hoping to recoup a fee in the region of £50million for the Hale End graduate.
Rob Holding and Nuno Tavares could also be set for new clubs this summer with the defensive duo falling down the pecking order at Arsenal. Arteta may look to use some of these players in a potential swap deal to sign Mohammed Kudus from Ajax.
The Gunners are interested in signing the 22-year-old who can play in attack and midfield. Chelsea are also monitoring the Ghana international's situation but Arsenal are currently focused on moving some players on before looking to more signings.
Pepe may be an ideal option to include in a player-plus-cash deal for Kudus - solving Ajax's problem of finding a replacement for the Ghanaian talent. Meanwhile, Balogun could be offered in a straight swap deal considering the Gunners have set a £50million asking price for the young striker.
Kudus is thought to be valued at around £40million by Ajax - who have already sold Jurrien Timber to the Gunners this summer. Albert Sambi Lokonga may be another suitable option for Arsenal to consider using in a swap deal for the 22-year-old with the Belgian midfielder expected to be sold this summer after spending the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace.
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