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Nicolas Pepe is left out of Arsenal’s Premier League matchday squad to face Bournemouth as talks over a ‘loan move to French side Nice continue to progress’
- Nicolas Pepe has been left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad at Bournemouth
- The 27-year-old is close to agreeing a summer loan move to Ligue 1 side Nice
- Pepe joined Arsenal for a club record £72million in 2019 but has struggled
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Nicolas Pepe has been left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad to face Bournemouth in the Premier League, with the forward close to joining Ligue 1 side Nice on loan.
The 27-year-old has largely struggled during his three year stint at the Emirates since joining for a club record £72million from Lille in 2019.
Talks have been ongoing between the two clubs, with Nice – owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe who has expressed interest in buying Man United – keen to bring the winger back to France this summer.
Nicolas Pepe has been left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad for their visit to Bournemouth
The out-of-favour forward is close to agreeing a summer loan move to join French side Nice
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is focused on bringing a winger to the club during the current transfer window after missing out on Raphinha earlier in the summer, but any potential arrivals depend on Pepe leaving the club, as reported by The Athletic.
Speaking about Pepe’s Arsenal future on Friday, Arteta said:
‘What we can communicate we always do when it’s the right moment.
‘We discussed that we have a big squad and we’ve made some decisions and allowed some players to leave.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has said that ‘some players are allowed to leave’ the club
‘Until the end of the window anything is possible with any player,’ he added.
‘We want to only bring certain qualities through that door and if not then it’s not worth it.
Pepe joined Arsenal for a club record £72million in 2019
‘I will be totally happy and focused on getting the best out of these players, for sure.’
Pepe made only five starts for the Gunners last season, netting just one goal in the top-flight as Arsenal enjoyed an improved campaign under Arteta, but still missed out on Champions League qualification.
Victory for Arsenal on the south coast will take them to the top of the Premier League table having successfully navigated their way to maximum points from their opening two games against Crystal Palace and Leicester.
Brazilian Gabriel Jesus starts his third successive match since making the switch from Manchester City and will be targeting more goals after scoring twice last time out.