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Football London
Football London
Sport
Aaron Catterson-Reid

Nicolas Pepe sends clear message following Arsenal transfer decision

Nicolas Pepe's future appears to be away from Arsenal.

Pepe joined the North Londoners for a club-record fee of £72 million back in the summer of 2019. The Ivory coast international was coming off the back of a standout 2018/19 campaign at Ligue 1 side Lille but he failed to replicate that kind of form consistently in the Premier League.

Eventually, he spent last term on loan back in France, with Nice. The 28-year-old missed the final part of the season out injured and he doesn't appear to have returned to the Gunners' London Colney training base ahead of pre-season.

In fact, he has now taken to social media to post a video of himself working out in a gym on his own. Of course, he may still not quite be fit enough to take part in a full training session at the moment, uploading a video of him doing a recovery session with a personal trainer last week in some footage that also revealed him getting some treatment on his right knee.

Nicolas Pepe's future with Arsenal remains uncertain. (Instagram: Nicolas.Pepe19)

"I will return to Arsenal. I was loaned without an option to buy so I have to go back to Arsenal," he told YouTube channel Colinterview, via the Metro during a recent interview.

"I don't know [about my future] yet. When I get back, I’ll speak with the coach and everyone and see what everyone's ideas are and then we'll make a decision."

READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Jurrien Timber move 'confirmed', Mbappe deal, Tchouameni boost

Pepe is no longer a part of Mikel Arteta's plans after falling down the pecking order in the squad towards the end of the 2021/22 season. Arsenal are keen to receive a fee for him, but football.london understands plans have been made for the termination of his contract if required.

Which of the following rising stars would you promote or send out on loan? Swipe to have your say

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