Arsenal's stars are knee-deep in the Premier League title race - whilst some of their teammates watch on from the shores.
Mikel Arteta and Edu have never been afraid to make big decision in the transfer market, and that has led to a host of players who were on the fringes of the first-team being sent out on loan. Those temporarily away from the club are facing uncertain futures in the summer whilst also having to watch from afar as their teammates try to claim a Premier League winners' medal.
From Nicolas Pepe and Nuno Tavares to Folarin Balogun and Albert Sambi Lokonga, here's a look at what all of them have had to say about Arsenal's title race and their futures at the Emirates when a frantic season comes to an end.
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Nicolas Pepe
Nicolas Pepe was Arsenal's club record signing not too long ago - and he insists he could've played a part in the title race if he had not been loaned out to Nice.
"I'm very happy at Nice, there are still two important months for the club. I want to focus on the last two months and the rest, I don't know. There will be discussions. I don't know what Arsenal want to do," he told francebleu this week.
"I still have a lot of friends there. I could have been important for this club, but it's the manager's choices. I spent my time taking good care of myself and working. Today, yes, I am at 100% of my means even if it will take me a little time to find the pace.
"Despite the injury, I wanted to stay with the team and come to training, I've always done it like that. With the series we're doing, we want to finish well. We didn't lose. a lot of players for this end of the season so I want to help."
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has spent 20 years on the books at Arsenal but is now fighting relegation rather than battling for the title. Speaking ahead of his Southampton being beaten 1-0 by West Ham in a crucial game, the loanee insisted he is trying to avoid getting caught up in Arsenal's title talk.
He keeps in touch with fellow Arsenal’s academy graduates Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson but told The Sun: “We don’t speak about what is happening at each other’s teams. It’s more like, ‘Hi, are you good? Hope you’re well and I’ll see you soon’.
“I’m just staying focused because I’m trying to help the team and get us out of this relegation battle.”
Nuno Tavares
Nuno Tavares has had a mixed time over in France. He was recently kicked out of training after a spat with his manager, according to reports, but was recently told he could be good enough to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Whilst his future at Arsenal looks uncertain at best, Tavares has insisted he will return and played down speculation of staying in Marseille.
"Everyone knows that I still have two years left with Arsenal on my contract," he said in February. "We’ll finish the season. I’m here until the end of the season to reach our objectives with Marseille. I can’t tell you much more."
"At the end of the season, I will return to Arsenal. I can’t say much more."
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun has been making headlines with his goalscoring exploits in France - and his performances for Reims have drawn praise from Mikel Arteta.
"It’s really positive that he could say these things and I mean I’m sure we’ll speak at the end of the season and we’ll have a lot of things to discuss," Balogun told Sky Sports last month as he remains tight-lipped on his long-term future.
"But it’s nice that he’s watching and paying attention to what’s going on, and yeah it’s good.
"There’s discussions that need to take place and it’s not a decision that will only be with me. The club will let me know their point of view and I’m sure we’ll come to an agreement."
As for the title race, Balogun has been so busy banging in the goals and chasing an unlikely European place that he's barely had time to address how his parent club are performing.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Albert Sambi Lokonga admitted leaving Arsenal in the middle of the Premier League title race was difficult in January - but he felt he had to try and play more games.
Speaking in February after sealing his temporary switch to Crystal Palace, the midfielder said: "It was not easy [to leave Arsenal] because as you can see they are top of the league, but for me the important thing was the confidence of the coach.
"I had him on the phone and it was a good opportunity to come here, to show myself and to help the boys reach their objectives. He said to me ‘welcome’. He is going to push me to be a better player – I am looking forward to it."
However, he has refused to discuss his future at Arsenal, insisting he simply wants to regain his confidence and get back to himself.
He told talkSPORT: “My goals for the moment are to find myself back to be the Sambi that I have been when I arrived at Arsenal.
“These are my goals and hopefully I can bring something different to the team. And I hope I can bring something that they don’t have in the team right now.”
Asked about the remainder of Arsenal's title race, he said: “I wish them all the best. But for the moment I am just focused with my Palace teammates.”
Auston Trusty
American defender Auston Trusty joined Arsenal in January 2022 but was immediately loaned to Birmingham City. He has impressed and is enjoying life in the Championship, but has made no secret that Arsenal is his end goal.
Trusty told Goal his ambition with Arsenal is "to get there and play every single game".
“That’s the mindset I have," he added. "I want to go there, show what I can do and make my mark in the Premier League and on the team. It’s all a stepping stone, but that’s the main goal. The sky's the limit really.”
Asked about their Premier League title battle, he admitted he wished he was part of it - but hopes they will go all the way.
“I would say they are the best team in the world," Trusty said. "It’s been a remarkable season and hopefully, it continues and they go on and win the title. I know that’s the mindset of the entire Arsenal organisation.
"I wish I was a part of the team doing it but watching it from afar, I’m still proud watching the squad do what they’re doing."
