OGC Nice are reportedly keen on signing Nicolas Pepe on loan from Arsenal, with the player reportedly open to returning to Ligue 1.
According to Foot Mercato, Nicolas Pepe is a target for OGC Nice, with the Ligue 1 club plotting a loan deal for the Ivorian winger. The Arsenal outcast could be willing to return to France, although he also has interest from England and Spain.
Many Arsenal fans rejoiced at the news of Nicolas Pepe’s arrival in a club-record deal in 2018. Little did they know, the flair and trickiness of the player would barely move a stone at the Emirates and that he would end up on the periphery of their first team.
Pepe has not started a game for Arsenal since the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace back in October 2021 and remains out of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the 2022/23 season. The Gunners may be forced to keep him as a high-quality substitute if they fail to find a solution to offload the winger this summer.
However, considering his high wages and the space he takes up in the team, Arteta has been keen on bringing in a new right winger in the ongoing transfer window, one who will effectively be Pepe’s replacement. Arsenal have not made the moves yet because they want to offload some players, notably the Ivory Coast international.
Pepe’s wages have proven to be a stumbling block for suitors interested in the Arsenal attacker from a sporting side. Sevilla were keen, but so were Newcastle United, with Pepe open to joining the Tyneside outfit.
However, in a new development, OGC Nice are interested in Pepe, with the Ligue 1 giants ready to take him on loan. Arsenal were hoping to sell him outright to get some transfer fees, but they might end up considering a temporary switch, although they might include a purchase option or obligation.
The report claims that Pepe is open to returning to Ligue 1 and could look to play regularly at a club, in this case, Nice. Whether they can work out a deal with Arsenal remains to be seen, although, in the current scenario, a move like this would suit all parties.
