Arsenal successfully offload struggling star who is slammed by pundit, but Pedro Neto problem occurs
Arsenal have confirmed the departure of club-record signing Nicolas Pepe to French side Nice on a loan deal until the end of the season. The £72million man arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2019 under Unai Emery’s management.
While he played a key role for the Spaniard, Emery’s fellow countryman Mikel Arteta has looked elsewhere. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have become Arteta’s go-to Arsenal pairing on the wings.
And with Gabriel Jesus and youngster Marquinhos both joining the Gunners this summer, Pepe has seen his chances diminish. As a result, Arsenal and Arteta have both agreed that he deserves a move away to get more game time, with Nice the top suitor.
The Ligue 1 side subsequently announced the transfer on Thursday evening. A club statement read: “OGC Nice and Arsenal have reached agreement on a loan deal (without purchase option) for Nicolas Pepe.” Arsenal added in their statement: “Everyone at Arsenal wishes Nico well in France with Nice next season.” However, one pundit has claimed that Arsenal should not think about re-integrating a player whose inconsistency is one of his biggest problems.