Report: Nice interested in signing Nicolas Pepe on loan from Arsenal

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Nice are interested in Nicolas Pepe, with Foot Mercato reporting that the Ligue 1 side want to take the Arsenal winger on loan this summer.

Pepe is yet to play a minute for the Gunners so far this season. The Ivorian has been on the bench for their first two Premier League games.

Obviously, the 27-year-old has been a really disappointing signing for Arsenal. He is the club’s record signing. But he has only managed to score 16 goals in 80 Premier League games for the club.

And it seems that he could depart before the transfer window closes. Foot Mercato is now reporting that Nice are eyeing a loan deal for Pepe.

A meeting has already taken place between the winger’s agent and the Ligue 1 side. And Pepe would be keen to return to France.

Nice interested in Nicolas Pepe

Arsenal probably face a tough decision when it comes to Pepe this summer. Of course, the ideal scenario would be for a club to make a substantial bid for Pepe.

But it is hard to see that happening. He has been a major disappointment since moving to the Emirates – though the transfer fee has done him absolutely no favours.

Keeping him may make sense for Mikel Arteta if no big bid is forthcoming. Arsenal will battle on four fronts. So having Pepe in the ranks is not a terrible option for those games in the Europa League and Carabao Cup in particular.

However, a loan could also be really appealing to Arsenal. He has the quality to be an ‘outstanding‘ player. And he did shine in France previously.

So loaning him out may represent the best way for Arsenal to build his value back up a bit further.