Nicolas Pepe is reported to remain at Nice even after this season.
He is on loan at Nice for the season from Arsenal, with the deal expiring at the end of the season.
Thus, Pepe will have to return to the Gunners in the summer as the agreement does not include any purchase option.
But, according to “L’Equipe”, the 27-year-old is open to the idea of staying even longer at Nice.
After returning in midweek from the injury that kept him out since mid-January, the Ivory Coast international is hoping to make an impact between now and the end of the season. So far he has registered 24 appearances, scoring eight goals and one assist.
Nice still has a lot to play for. Digard Didier’s side are racing to secure a place that takes them to Europe next season, while still in contention for the Conference League trophy.
However, as well as fighting to achieve Nice’s goals, the former Lille striker could also be fighting for his future.
“L’Equipe” reported that the French club is considering keeping Pepe for next season, but the club want to first see the form the player will go through until the end of the season, before deciding to start talks on the transfer of his.
Nicolas Pepe with Arsenal has a valid contract until the summer of 2024. He was bought by the Londoners in 2019 for the club’s record figure of 80 million euros, but he did not manage to prove himself at the “Emirates Stadium”.
Pepe has made a total of 112 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and contributing 21 assists.