From day one Mikel Arteta has looked to overhaul his Arsenal squad addressing the biggest flaws in the side and installing his non-negotiable principles into the team. Some players have flourished under the watch of the Spaniard whilst others have faltered with many now gone.
Nicolas Pepe is a player who has had his successes during the Arteta reign, however, has ultimately been unable to nail down his place in the starting XI. The rise of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe and the return of Gabriel Martinelli have pushed the Ivorian down the pecking order.
Pepe is more than aware of his predicament, too. Whilst he has spoken of focusing on what Arsenal aim to achieve this season, his future remains open to interpretation in his own words.
READ MORE: Nicolas Pepe gives Mikel Arteta brutally honest Arsenal confession to solve Edu transfer puzzle
"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 said during the international break.
However, Pepe may yet see his own Arsenal future sealed out of his hands with increasingly regular reports suggesting that the Gunners will move for another wide player in the summer. So far, as many as four standout candidates have been suggested to be on the club’s watchlist.
Cody Gakpo of PSV, Noa Lang of Club Brugge, Marcus Rashford of Manchester United and Leeds United’s Raphinha. All four players would represent a significant investment and their versatility gives Arteta more than what Pepe can provide.
Pepe received enquiries in January from two Ligue 1 clubs. Although, whilst Lyon and Marseille held on interest in the winger, no move was made.
Valued at £27million according to Transfermarkt, and with just two years remaining on his deal come June, the club will expect to make a significant loss on their investment. £72million was paid to Lille in 2019 to sign Pepe, a club-record fee for Arsenal and they have not come close to playing a similar figure since.
However, as Pepe says, the focus for him must be on finishing the season strongly with the club. Mikel Arteta has already spoken highly of the 26-year-old and highlighted the work he has been putting in since returning from the African Cup of Nations.
"Since he has come back, I have seen a different Nico," said Arteta. "I don’t know what it is, probably he has realised the importance of the end of the season for him.
"His attitude, his smile, the way he is communicating with everybody, his energy. The way he has trained. His efficiency in training. His application.
"His energy has changed. I think he felt important again. Probably he felt like a proper football player that can win tournaments and felt, 'Ok this is me now.' He needed that and I’m really pleased with that."
Pepe came on to score the equaliser and help set up the winner against Wolves which gave the Gunners a huge boost in their chase for fourth spot. Bukayo Saka is currently sidelined having tested positive for Covid-19 and Arteta may call on Pepe to play in Monday’s game against Crystal Palace should the 20-year-old fail to recover in time.
His goal against France for the Ivory Coast last week will give Arteta the confidence that Pepe can provide Arsenal with the tools to threaten. With the players around him and an established goal record with the club, this should not be in doubt.
