Latest development concerning the loan move of Nicolas Pepe to OGC Nice from Arsenal is that the winger accepted a 25 percent pay cut to revive his career in the French Ligue 1.
The Ivorian reportedly, as a result of the loan deal between Arsenal and the Ligue 1 club Loss more than £ 50,000 a week.
£72m Arsenal flop bids to revive his ailing career in France after failing to impress in North London. It was reported by Daily Mail that Pepe took a £2.5m pay cut to secure a loan move to the Ligue 1 side.
Pepe cost Arsenal £72m for Lille in 2019 but has struggled to find consistency.
The Ivorian also made his Nice debut in a 3-0 defeat at home to Marseille on Sunday.
The Athletic reported that Pepe agreed to a 25 percent reduction in his salary to join the Côte d’Azur side in an attempt to resurrect his career.
Pepe who left Lille for the Emirates Stadium in a £72million deal in 2019 will hope to find a consistent level of form away from north London.
With the addition of Gabriel Jesus and the return of Martinelli to full form, Pepe went down the pecking order.
So, making a loan move becomes the only choice for him. He will hope to reignite his career and return to Arsenal in sparkling form.
For instance, William Saliba, since joining Arsenal from Sainte-Étienne, had gone on loan for two straight seasons before finally cementing a spot in Arsenal’s starting 11.
Arsenal manager Mile Arteta had once defended him that he’s not responsible for the price the club paid for him.
Arteta also revealed that Gunners have been preparing for his exit for two months, making them reinforce the squad.
Such a comment from the Spaniard doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a future at the club. With a reported £2.5m pay cut as part of his loan terms, with the Ligue 1 side paying half of his salary, it is understood that it is around £10m a year.
Now that he aims to reignite his career, it is now left on the part of the Ivorian to up his game and return to Arsenal as a starter once more.
Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed