Mikel Arteta has been handed a huge transfer blow with OGC Nice opting against signing Arsenal loanee Nicolas Pepe on a permanent deal. The Ivorian winger spent the 2022/23 campaign on-loan in France - scoring eight goals and providing just one assist in 28 appearances.
The Gunners signed Pepe from Lille for a £72million fee back in 2019 but he has failed to repay that investment on the pitch and looks set to be sold this summer when he returns to the Emirates Stadium. Pepe meanwhile is no longer a part of Arteta's plans after being bombed out of the squad towards the end of the 2021/22 season.
The Ivorian has just one year left on his current contract, and although Arsenal are keen to garner a fee for him, football.london understands plans have been made for the termination of his contract if required. The arrival of Leandro Trossard in January will prove to be a replacement for the 28-year-old winger whilst the Gunners are looking to add another versatile forward to their squad this summer.
