Arsenal have reportedly received an offer from OGC Nice for Nicolas Pepe, with the Ligue 1 club keen on signing the 27-year-old on loan.
According to Foot Mercato, OGC Nice have submitted a loan proposal to Arsenal for Nicolas Pepe. The offer does not come with a purchase option, with the Gunners yet to respond to the bid. The 27-year-old was absent from Arsenal’s win over Bournemouth, thus fueling speculation surrounding his future.
A new look Arsenal are making waves, with Mikel Arteta’s side recording their third consecutive victory in as many Premier League games this season. While much of the credit goes to some of their new signings, the manager is responsible for a sensible re-building of the Gunners squad.
In their victory over Bournemouth, the Arsenal bench did not have Nicolas Pepe among them. The Ivory Coast international has been a constant feature in the matchday squad, even though Arteta has preferred not to start games with the Arsenal outcast. The absence could be related to his future, with a departure from the Emirates being imminent.
Pepe has not started a game for Arsenal in the Premier League since their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in October last year, with his stock falling. The 27-year-old outcast is already regarded as a flop, considering the Gunners made a club-record outlay to acquire him three years ago.
OGC Nice have been keen on signing Pepe, with reports claiming that the Ligue 1 outfit are plotting a loan move for him. Arteta wants to find a resolution for the winger as he does not count on him. Moreover, Arsenal are keen to recruit a new wide attacker before the summer transfer window shuts, which could be contingent on Pepe leaving.
With two years left on his deal, Arsenal hoped to recoup some money by selling Pepe outright. However, there is hardly any market for the 27-year-old barring mild interest from Spain when Sevilla were pondering signing the Ivory Coast international.
Pepe possibly wants to return to France, where he had a few productive seasons with Lille, helping them win the Ligue 1 title before making his move to Arsenal. Nice have been touted as his possible destination, with their manager Lucien Favre keen on signing the Arsenal outcast.
OGC Nice have made a loan proposal to Arsenal, which does not contain a purchase option. The north London club would ideally want guarantees over a specified sum of money after the temporary offer expires but may look to offload the player on a priority basis, irrespective of the terms on offer for the 27-year-old outcast.
Arsenal are yet to respond to the offer, as they might negotiate a purchase option with Nice. There are also discussions on salary coverage, as the Ligue 1 side may not be able to afford to pay the Ivory Coast international’s wages in full. Pepe is keen on the move, and the report suggests he is already in talks with the club over personal terms and possibly a future contract.
