Nicolas Pepe: OGC Nice plot move for Arsenal's £72 million forgotten man
OGC Nice are interested in signing Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe on loan, and all parties are open to a deal according to Foot Mercato.
The Ivorian is interested in a return to Ligue 1 after struggling in the Premier League following his £72 million move in 2019. Pepe, who is Arsenal’s record signing, has scored only 16 goals in 80 Premier League games.
Last year, he scored only once in 20 league appearances
Pepe is behind Bukayo Saka in the pecking order at The Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta relies on Saka, and because of that, Pepe has not gotten the consistent game time he needs to prove himself. Pepe only started five league games last season.
Pepe has not played a minute for the Gunners this season. He has been glued to the bench for their first two Premier League games.
Pepe might enjoy a rejuvenation back in France. In his final season in Ligue 1, the 27-year-old scored an impressive 22 goals and provided 11 league assists for LOSC Lille to finish second on the log.
Nice are looking for a striker and a right-winger in their attack. They have settled for Pepe to fill the right-wing position. The club must now work to secure a deal with Arsenal.
For centre-forward, they considered Edinson Cavani, Mikhailo Mudryk, Bamba Dieng, and Moise Kean, but Les Aiglons have settled on Brereton Diaz of Blackburn Rovers.
Nice have reportedly made a 10 million bid to sign the Chilean striker.