Clubs from Germany and Saudi Arabia have made enquiries over a late move for Nicolas Pepe, with Besiktas seemingly fading from the race.

Nice's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe controls the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League Quater Final football match between Nice (OGCN) and FC Basel at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, on April 20, 2023. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe controls the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League Quater Final football match between Nice (OGCN) and FC Basel at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, on April 20, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

FussballTransfers report that Nicolas Pepe could still leave Arsenal in the final week of the transfer window, with clubs from Germany and Saudi Arabia putting out feelers for the winger.

As it stands, Besiktas don’t appear to be a serious contender for the signing, despite previously appearing to lead the race.

Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport had reported that Besiktas had made a three-year contract offer to Nicolas Pepe, which the winger was reflecting on.

Pepe has a year left on his Arsenal deal, and the Gunners were deciding whether they were willing to let him leave for free or not.

But that didn’t end up happening, with the winger reportedly turning down the offer.

Nice's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (C) scores the 0:1 goal during the European Conference League 1st Round Group D football match 1. FC Slovacko vs OGG Nice in Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by RADEK MICA/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (C) scores the 0:1 goal during the European Conference League 1st Round Group D football match 1. FC Slovacko vs OGG Nice in Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by RADEK MICA/AFP via Getty Images)

Hawkins then reported that a Saudi club had positioned themselves for Pepe’s signature, looking to negotiate a fee with Arsenal. At the time, that appeared to be the most likely option.

Five days later, there have been no significant updates on the transfer, but perhaps the interest from Germany could push the Saudi club to try and close the deal.

For the time being, Pepe is back in training with Arsenal.

Nice's French midfielder Sofiane Diop (L) and Nice's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrate scoring the 0:1 goal during the European Conference League 1st Round Group D football match 1. FC Slovacko vs OGG Nice in Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by RADEK MICA/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice’s French midfielder Sofiane Diop (L) and Nice’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrate scoring the 0:1 goal during the European Conference League 1st Round Group D football match 1. FC Slovacko vs OGG Nice in Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by RADEK MICA/AFP via Getty Images)

Pepe spent the 2022/23 campaign out on loan with OGC Nice, but an underwhelming and injury-hit campaign didn’t generate the kind of interest Arsenal would have hoped for.

With only one year left on his contract in north London, another loan wouldn’t help the situation.

The transfer window closes on Friday, so any interested clubs are running out of time to get a permanent transfer done.