Arsenal struggler Nicolas Pepe has been labelled ‘very close’ to signing with Besiktas.

While his first two years at the Emirates were far from the disaster many make out, the next two have done little to benefit the Gunners.

Besiktas are interested and a move – potentially a permanent transfer – will be discussed.

Romano labelled Besiktas’ interest as “genuine” and confirmed the winger is “out of the project at Arsenal and prepared to leave.”

The transfer guru concluded: “negotiations will take place in order to discuss [the] structure of [the] potential deal.”