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.
BenGud
0
Pepe you have not justified the huge money spent on you. Pls go to heaven and find rest.
GunnArs
0
if/WHEN arsenal is playing in champions league next season we will need a bigger squad and more rotation, the young guns can’t play every game… stay patient pepe and your time will come!
cemabpruyz
0
Maybe he should. He’s not going to play over Saka , Martinelli or Smith-Rowe. 👋
Barsenal24
0
He has been given enough time by unai emely but failed to convince its his time to leave
Sosst
0
They should off load Pepe,He had his time & now its up.He has proven to be decent but not good enough for the EPL.In the summer transfer window is when they should look to sell him
LaminSaidy
0
I guess Barcelona is on alert
susbdeinyz
1
that's will be very good
tohabemnu
0
Offload him please 🙏 he never improve
you mean on his right foot? 😂
Kingraino
0
Offload him please 🙏 he never improve
Lol 😆 you arsenal fans you will realize when epl is 10 match
Hohabcpruz
1
Please has patience. You got your chance by later part of April. Bcos, Arsenal will be fighting with Man U & Spurs for fourth place.Hope my prediction comes true.
Recons
0
This is so fake😂😂 and some people coming here to throw shade is alarming
Kirloscar2
0
Pepe can be devastating in attack on a very good day, but his only setback is consistency which is required for a top level player. Wish he remains at Arsenal for his time will definitely come.
EMLYNBARVAN
5
As for me this man should leave Arsenal Arsenal as got some good players and younger than he him
bahbktuy
2
a waste of huge investment. he had all the chances
kikabnoy
2
Offload him please 🙏 he never improve