Mikel Arteta’s side have finally offloaded flop Nicolas Pepe (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have officially announced that they have terminated Nicolas Pepe’s contract with immediate effect.

Pepe flopped at Arsenal after moving to north London in 2019 in a huge £72m deal from Lille and the Gunners were desperate to sell him this summer.

The Ivory Coast international, who can operate as a right winger or forward, will now depart on a free transfer to join Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Arsenal released a statement confirming the news of Pepe’s departure which 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.

‘During his time at the club, the forward has made 111 appearances for us in all competitions.

‘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.

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

Pepe will look to get his career back in Turkey after impressing in France prior to joining Arsenal.

He was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year and was crowned Lille’s Player of the Season in the 2018-19 campaign.

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He joined Arsenal in a £72m deal four years ago.