Pepe frustrated by lack of game time at Arsenal while hints at summer move

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe is weighing up his future after 'frustrating' talks with boss Mikel Arteta over his lack of playing time.

The 26-year-old joined the Gunners from Lille for a club record fee of £72million in 2019, but has failed to make any real impact in north London.

The Ivory Coast international has struggled for regular starts, only five coming in the Premier League, but 18 appearances in total - most coming from the substitutes bench.

Pepe finds himself down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli preferred options under boss Arteta.

Although the winger sent a timely reminder of his ability with a fine goal against World Cup-holders France on Friday and looks set to start against England in a friendly this evening.

'I am focused on how well we do until the end of the season and the club's target, which is getting into the Champions League. Then we will see what happens.'

Pepe knows it's a tough situation for Arteta as the Gunners are performing well and currently sit fourth in the Premier League.

'When a team is winning it is hard for a coach to make changes.

'Mikel Arteta has explained that to me and the coach knows what I think and how hard I'm working.

'It is also about communication. Sometimes it's not easy to communicate with the language barrier. It has been a tough season for me.

'Of course, it is frustrating not to play. No player enjoys not playing but I have to respect the coach's decision and the team is doing well at the moment.'

In total, Pepe has made 107 appearances for Arsenal, where he has notched 27 goals in all competitions.