Nicolas Pepe faces an uncertain future after a disappointing loan spell at OGC Nice, with Arsenal hopeful of selling the winger.

  • Nicolas Pepe’s Arsenal future is uncertain following an underwhelming loan spell at OGC Nice.
  • The Ivorian international’s performances have not convinced major European clubs or Arsenal’s management.
  • Arsenal is expected to put Pepe up for sale as his contract nears its final 12 months.
Nice's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrates with Nice's French defender Melvin Bard after scoring his team's third goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and Montpellier Herault SC at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on January 11, 2023. - (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrates with Nice’s French defender Melvin Bard after scoring his team’s third goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and Montpellier Herault SC at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on January 11, 2023. – (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe’s future with the North London club remains uncertain following a lacklustre loan stint with Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.

According to a report from L’Équipe, the Ivorian international has little chance of rejoining the Gunners after his current loan deal expires.

Underwhelming performances in France

The 27-year-old has made 28 appearances for Les Aiglons this season, scoring eight goals and providing one assist.

However, his performances have not been convincing enough to attract interest from major European clubs, nor have they demonstrated the required level of quality and commitment that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would have expected to see when he shipped Pepe to France after playing him 93 times.

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Arsenal contract situation

Pepe’s contract with Arsenal is set to expire in June 2024, leaving him with just 12 months on his deal upon returning to the club.

It is believed that Arsenal will put the player up for sale in an attempt to recoup a portion of the €80m they spent on him under the stewardship of Unai Emery, who actually wanted Wilfried Zaha, and Raul Sanllehi.

Nice not interested in permanent move

Despite featuring in 47 minutes of Nice’s UEFA Conference League match against FC Basel last Thursday, Pepe was absent from their squad at the weekend, amid concerns about a possible injury setback.

Nice boss Didier Digard has praised Pepe’s commitment, admitting he took a fitness risk to play, but L’Equipe reports that the Ligue 1 club has no interest in making his loan move permanent.

Pepe’s chances to impress

With Nice unlikely to qualify for European football next season, Pepe will need to make the most of his remaining opportunities to attract interest from other clubs.

The winger’s future at Arsenal appears bleak but where he will end up is anyone’s guess.

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