Pepe after enduring a tough time at the Emirates joined Nice on loan in 2022 and has since then scored six goals in 17 appearances
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal winger, Nicolas Pepe has said Mikel Arteta’s decision to send him on loan to Ligue 1 club, Nice, was his personal choice, while also insisting he could have aided the Gunners’ push for a title this season.
Pepe who joined Arsenal for a record fee of £72m in 2022 has failed to nail down a consistent starting place at the north London club.
He later moved to Nice on loan during the summer window and has since then netted six goals in 17 appearances for the club.
However, speaking during a recent press conference, the Ivory Coast international questioned Arteta’s decision to send him on loan, saying he could have been an important player for Arsenal in their Premier League title push.
Pepe said: “I don’t know what Arsenal want. I still have a lot of friends there. I could have been important for the club, but those are the coach’s choices.”
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He went on to say it is unclear what his future will be at the Emirates would be after his loan, but added that he is concentrating on helping Nice in the French league
“I am very happy at Nice. There are two important months to come for this club. I want to concentrate on that and I’m not sure after that. There will be discussions.” he added.
Arsenal are enjoying a sensational season and are eight points clear of the league champions, Manchester City at the top of the league.
Their current crop of wingers, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, have all been pivotal to their success, with Saka in particular having emerged as one of the top players in Europe this season.
They host Leeds United later today as they try to secure their first Premier League title since 2004.