Nicolas Pepe Instagram post hints at Arsenal 'redemption' ahead of Arteta talks

Latest Arsenal news assesses the chances of Nicolas Pepe being handed a chance to revive his career in north London under Mikel Arteta with some supporters keen

Nicolas Pepe is back at Arsenal. But the question is, for how long?

The 28-year-old was active on social media throughout pre-season, but it was noticeable that not once did he train with his Gunners teammates nor did he travel with the squad to Germany or the United States. Instead, the Ivory Coast international posted regular updates of him working with a personal trainer after suffering a knee injury that disrupted his loan spell with Nice during the second half of last season.

However, ahead of Arsenal's Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, Pepe uploaded a video on Instagram of him in the dressing room at London Colney and it's safe to say his return has garnered a huge response with some fans suggesting he should be given a second chance to potentially help the club save millions of pounds in the process.

For example on Twitter, @Sugri__II said: "Hope he gets another chance", @ProminentPartey said: "We could definitely use him in our squad, great back up to Saka", @_Oluwa__ said: "Redemption arc incoming", @feliciacoltony1 said: "He should take inspiration from Xhaka!!!" and @APresserV2 said: "Nicolas Pepe is back in training? Time to unlock him."

Why Pepe has made his long-awaited return remains to be seen but when recalling comments he made last month, it's likely that he's set for crunch talks with Mikel Arteta: "I will return to Arsenal. I was loaned without an option to buy so I have to go back to Arsenal," he told YouTube channel Colinterview, as per the Metro. "I don't know [about my future] yet. When I get back, I’ll speak with the coach and everyone and see what everyone's ideas are and then we'll make a decision."

So unless a U-turn is performed at this very late stage of the summer transfer window, it seems more likely that the winger departs the Emirates Stadium for good rather than being reintegrated into the first-team squad to provide cover and competition for Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side.

Now, the other scenario - aside from requiring a new shirt number with Leandro Trossard now in possession of No.19 - that would see the Ivorian handed a chance to revive his career in north London, is if Arteta makes space in the Arsenal Premier League squad for him to be registered.

Of the 25 players that can be named after the summer transfer window closes, no more than 17 overseas players are permitted and Arsenal are now over the limit by one following the departures of Pablo Mari, Granit Xhaka, Auston Trusty, Matt Turner and Runar Alex Runarsson.