Nice hold further talks with Arsenal flop Pepe over a return to Ligue 1 on loan

Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe held further talks over a move to French side Nice on Saturday.

Pepe was left out of Arsenal's matchday squad to face Bournemouth in the Premier League at the weekend following reports that he is set to join the French side on loan.

The 27-year-old has largely struggled during his three year stint at the Emirates since joining for a club record £72million from Lille in 2019.

Talks have been ongoing between the two clubs, with Nice - owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe who has expressed interest in buying Man United - keen to bring the winger back to France this summer.

Nice have also considered Manchester United's Amad Diallo if they fail to reach a deal for Pepe. Amad is also wanted by Sunderland.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is focused on bringing a winger to the club during the current transfer window after missing out on Raphinha earlier in the summer, but any potential arrivals depend on Pepe leaving the club, as reported by The Athletic.

Speaking about Pepe's Arsenal future on Friday, Arteta said: 'What we can communicate we always do when it's the right moment.

'We discussed that we have a big squad and we've made some decisions and allowed some players to leave.

'Until the end of the window anything is possible with any player,' he added.

'We want to only bring certain qualities through that door and if not then it's not worth it.

'I will be totally happy and focused on getting the best out of these players, for sure.'

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Arsenal's clash with Bournemouth, Arteta said: 'What we can communicate we always do when it’s the right moment.

'We discussed that we have a big squad and we’ve made some decisions and allowed some players to leave. Until the end of the window anything is possible with any player.'