Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe took huge pay cut to secure move, the Gunners are still paying some of his wages

Nicolas Pepe took a huge pay cut to secure his loan move to Nice, while Arsenal are still thought to be paying a proportion of his wages.

Pepe became the Gunners' club-record signing in 2019, arriving from Lillie in a deal worth £72 million.

However, things didn't quite go according to plan, as he struggled to reach the heights expected of him.

The 27-year-old eventually fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta and he was sent out on loan to Ligue 1 side Lille to get his career back on track.

Pepe has gone on to score eight goals in 25 league appearances for the French club in all competitions.

However, Arsenal have had to keep shelling out a hefty sum to make up the forward's pay packet.

Pepe took huge pay cut

French news outlet L'equipe claim that Pepe relinquished 25% of his salary at the Emirates in order to seal a move to Didier Digard's side.

Although the figure left was still too much for Nice to cover in full, requiring a generous donation from his parent club.

Nice, who currently sit in seventh place in Ligue 1, were left to pay a reported £264,000 per month, while Arsenal make up the rest.

Pepe is due to return to north London at the end of the season where a decision will be made on his future.

According to the same publication, L'equipe, Nice are considering retaining the Pepe for next season, but want to see more from the player before making a formal offer.

Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast international is thought to be open to extending his stay at Nice and would be willing to make the move permanent.

Indeed, he would face an almighty task to break back into the Gunners' first team, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard all currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

Although he could help create some healthy competition for the ever-improving Saka down the left-hand side.