Arsenal terminate contract of Nicolas Pepe as they take huge loss on £72million winger who joins Trabzonspor

Arsenal have announced the termination of Nicolas Pepe's contract with the winger linking up with Trabzonspor on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old was signed for a then-club record £72million from Lille in 2019, but failed to perform on a consistent basis at the Emirates.

Arsenal terminate contract of Nicolas Pepe as they take huge loss on £72million winger who joins Trabzonspor

Arsenal terminate contract of Nicolas Pepe as they take huge loss on £72million winger who joins Trabzonspor

And Arsenal have now announced that the Ivorian's contract has been mutually terminated with one year left on his deal.

Pepe, who was shipped off on loan to Nice last season, chipped in with 27 goals and 21 assists in 112 games for the Gunners in all competitions.

He was part of their 2020 FA Cup-winning squad, where he started in the 2-1 final victory over Chelsea in his debut campaign.

But he quickly fell down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta, with the north Londoners taking a huge loss on the forward.

A statement from the club's website read: "We have agreed with Nicolas to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

"Ivory Coast international Nicolas, who joined us from French side Lille in summer 2019, won the FA Cup with us in 2020, assisting our winning goal in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

"The 28-year-old, who had one year left on his contract, spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Nice, where he made 28 appearances, scoring eight goals during the campaign.

"Everyone at Arsenal thanks Nicolas for his contribution during his time with us and wish him well for the future."

Arsenal terminate contract of Nicolas Pepe as they take huge loss on £72million winger who joins Trabzonspor

Arsenal had looked to obtain a transfer fee for the player, but they were unable to sell the winger.

And rather than have Pepe hang around, the Gunners - and Pepe - have made the decision to cut ties.

Pepe has wasted no time in finding a new club, joining Turkish outfit on a one-year deal.

He already announced his switch to the Super Lig side on Instagram prior to Arsenal's announcement, where he shared pictures of him wearing his new kit.

He said on social media: "Very happy to arrive in this country of football.

"New challenge for me, looking forward to getting back on the pitch and with the team bringing Trabzonspor to the top of the league."

Arteta has not been afraid to rip up contracts in the past, with several high-profile players all leaving in the same manner as Pepe.

Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi have all seen their deals terminated since the Spaniard arrived as manager in December 2019.

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