Arsenal are struggling to thrash £72m flop Nicolas Pepe for a permanent transfer and Gunners are set to accept exit from the LaLiga loan

ARSENAL are reportedly struggling to sell club-record signing Nicolas Pepe for a permanent transfer with a possible loan move to Spain.

The £72million man is allowed to leave the Emirates this summer after being ruled redundant by boss Mikel Arteta.

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With the Gunners on the hunt for another winger, the Ivory Coast international will fall further down the pecking order.

SunSport recently explained that the north London outfit fear the 27-year-old was not interested in the striker.

And according to the PA, Pepe’s £140,000-a-week salary is proving to be a sticking point for potential suitors.

Arsenal are also said to be asking too much money for the 2020 FA Cup winners.

Pepe, who has two years left on his contract, is said to be on the market for £25million.

A loan spell is the most likely outcome for the Lille ex-ace, who recorded just one goal and two assists in 20 Premier League games last season.

Reporter Mark Mann-Bryans tweeted: “Arsenal are now openly looking for suitors for club record signing Nicolas Pepe.

“Given the valuation/salaries, a move from the club on loan is the most likely outcome.

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“Aware that Spain is a possible target.”

Earlier this year, Pepe declared he could leave Arsenal after saying “we’ll see what happens” in the summer.

He also noted: “When a team wins, it’s difficult for a coach to make changes.

“Mikel explained that to me and I know I have to work hard in training to get more playing time.

“The coach knows what I’m thinking and how hard I’m working. It’s also about communication.

“Sometimes it is not easy to communicate with the language barrier. It was a tough season for me.”