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Ligue 1 side Nice have signalled their interest to sign Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe before the end of the transfer window.
THE LOWDOWN: FAILED TO IMPRESS
Nicolas Pepe arrived at Arsenal in a club-record transfer of £72million in 2019. The deal came with a lot of hope and promise at the time and having just had an impressive season with Lille, the Ivorian was expected to be a hit for the Gunners as well as offer more firepower in attack.
Pepe showed up a few times but it has generally been a series of below-par performances and overall disappointment from the forward. At the moment, the 27-year-old is now considered to be a failed buy because the hype and expectation that came with his signing never materialized.
The winger is currently a fringe member of the Arsenal squad under Mikel Arteta and reports continue to link him with an exit from the club this summer.
THE LATEST: A RETURN TO FRANCE?
According to FootMercato, there is a chance that Nicolas Pepe goes back to Ligue 1. OGC Nice have registered an interest in his signature on loan. While Arsenal would prefer a permanent sale, a loan may give Pepe the chance to resurrect his career and attract suitors next summer.
The struggle for Nice will be Pepe’s current weekly wages of £140,000-a-week and they will need to come up with a better proposal for Arsenal to consider their move.
Some weeks ago, GiveMeSport claimed that Pepe is on Newcastle’s wish list and that the winger was offered to the Premier League club but it seems nothing materialized from that report.
The Ivorian, who still has two years left on his current contract, is eyeing a move away from the Emirates in order to get more playing time – something he has not enjoyed at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.
THE VERDICT: GOOD DEVELOPMENT
Since joining Arsenal, Pepe has scored 27 goals and recorded 21 assists in 112 appearances across all competitions. However, his days at the club are numbered and he could yet leave if a decent offer comes in before the transfer window ends.
The winger is already surplus to requirements and Arsenal can afford to take a temporary deal at the moment. It is important that the club sort out the player’s situation now rather than wait until he nearly runs out his current contract.
In addition, Arsenal can hold out for a considerable fee before he enters his final year in order not to lose him for free. Still 27, Pepe will be keen to reignite his career and France could be the place to make it happen for him. It is clear that the Arsenal move hasn’t worked out and there is nothing to prove again by staying put at the club.
