Nicolas Pepe has returned to Arsenal training as he continues to be linked with a move away from the club before the summer transfer window closes.
As reported by football.london , Ligue 1 side OGC Nice are in talks with the Gunners over signing the Ivory Coast international on loan for the remainder of the season and events that transpired around the 3-0 win against Bournemouth at the weekend seemingly indicated that a move was close to completion.
Firstly, Pepe was not spotted in Arsenal's final training session last Friday and he was left out of the matchday squad entirely at the Vitality Stadium, although manager Mikel Arteta refused to confirm or deny whether or not the decision to omit the winger from his plans was transfer related.
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"We don’t talk about individuals," he said when asked how close Pepe was to joining Nice. "There were a few players that we have to leave out of the squad, unfortunately. It’s painful but we try to bring the team and the squad that is in the best condition to give us the best chance to win the game."
Judging by the fact that the 27-year-old was back in training on Monday as the Arsenal squad look ahead to a London derby against newly-promoted Fulham at the Emirates Stadium could be a sign that a deal isn't as advanced as some may have thought following his absence against the Cherries.
Whether he returns to the matchday squad for the visit of the Cottagers on Saturday remains to be seen, as it has been reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that the one final step holding up the confirmation of his loan move to Nice is the salary that will be covered by the Ligue 1 club this season.
In addition, reports in France have claimed that whilst Leicester City are eyeing up a loan move for Pepe, Nice remain in pole position to secure his signature and there is even talk of inserting a £15m option to buy clause in the agreement so that Arsenal could recoup some of the £72m spent in the summer of 2019.
Now should Pepe join Nice before this weekend's round of Ligue 1 fixtures he will be on course for an immediate Arsenal reunion with Nuno Tavares whose Marseille side are the visitors to Allianz Riviera and their respective positions means they will be in direct competition if on the pitch at the same time.
Meanwhile, Monday's training session was almost the dream scenario for Arteta as every single first-team player took part aside from Reiss Nelson who is facing time on the sidelines with a muscular injury and Hector Bellerin amid talk of returning to Spain before or on deadline day.
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