OGC Nice are in talks and getting closer to the loan signing of Nicolas Pepe, though his wages could still prove problematic.

Sacha Tavolieri reports that OGC Nice are getting closer to the loan signing of Nicolas Pepe. The print edition of L’Equipe on Thursday confirms contact with the player’s representatives has already taken place.

Meanwhile, RMC report that Pepe’s wages are the biggest obstacle to a move at the moment.

RMC add that Atletico Madrid were also interested in Pepe at the start of the window, as well as other admirers in the Premier League.

But the initial meetings with Atletico never went any further, and it seems Nice are leading the way at the moment.

Foot Mercato reported on Tuesday that Ligue 1 side Nice are interested in signing Pepe on a loan move, with the player himself also open to the transfer.

Nice Matin confirmed the news, writing that Nice have made first contact with Pepe’s camp. Again, they repeat that the deal would be a loan move and the winger isn’t against a return to Ligue 1.

Goal reported in July that the expectation is that Pepe will leave Arsenal this summer, but finding a club willing to pay his £150,000-a-week wages as well as a significant transfer fee will be difficult.

As a result, the most likely outcome is reportedly a loan deal, perhaps with an option to buy.

Mark Mann-Bryans also wrote that Arsenal are openly looking for buyers for Pepe this summer.

The Gunners evidently haven’t had much success with that so far, but perhaps they’ve now found a loan destination for the forward.