Nicolas Pepe today completed his season long loan move from Arsenal to Nice in a bid for regular first-team football after struggling to break into Mikel Arteta's side during his tenure in North London.
The Gunners have added Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos to their attacking options, pushing the Ivorian further down the pecking order, with the form of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli playing a key part in the decision.
The announcement was made via the club's social media platforms, and fans were split on the departure of Pepe, with many thinking he still had a chance to shine in this Arsenal team.
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Here is how some Arsenal fans reacted to the Pepe news:
Harry (@RunReissRun) - I hope he returns next season as a better player with a point to prove. #COYG.
Lethabo (@MandelaMinutes) - Arteta failed to make him a better player
Hebbar (@spicysudhi) - There goes Nicolas Pepe. I really, really, really wanted him to succeed this season and establish himself. Maybe if it wasn't for the price tag, he may have been successful. Hope he once again starts to enjoy his game; he is a great player but just not to be for us.
Mark Pinto - I hope Nicolas #Pepe can re-ignite his career at Nice. Great opportunity for him.
Maxon Airo - Gutted to see Nicolas Pepe leave Arsenal... He was my favourite player. Come back stronger, Nico.
Vibintha Abishek - So much love for this man. Without his goal contributions in the quarter-final, semi-final and final, we don't win our most recent FA Cup. Thank you, Nicolas Pepe.
The Ivorian has already been presented to the Nice fans inside the Allianz Riviera this evening ahead of their Europa Conference League play-off match against Maccabi Tel-Aviv, as he returns to France, where he ignited his career during his spell at Lille, scoring 35 goals in 74 appearances which earned him his £72m move to North London.
But with, his exit sparks even more potential of Arsenal completing a move for Wolves' Pedro Neto, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates and is reportedly keen on a move.
And Gunners fans were quick to express their desire for Arteta to get a deal over the line for the Portuguese international as the transfer window enters its final week.
Alex (@Alex_AFC14) - Now sign a winger. Neto would be very good.
Okumu Samuel - All the best. Let's replace him now with either Coady Gakpo or Neto. Pedro Neto is a perfect signing if we can pull it off.
Av (@aviv_lavi) - Pedro Neto to Arsenal. We are not only winning the Prem and Europa, we are winning the World Cup, Wimbledon and MasterChef. Big moves.
Sash (@Itarsenal) - Arsenal need to make sure we have players who can fill in when Saka/Martinelli are unavailable. We are playing in 4 competitions, we actually want to compete on all fronts. A signing like Pedro Neto would be a fantastic step in this direction. Love the player. Bring him in!
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