Nicolas Pepe is back at Arsenal, but for how long?
The 26-year-old has joined up with the likes of Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Charlie Patino, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka in Dubai for their warm-weather training camp.
Of course, the reason for Pepe's late arrival is because of his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations with his Ivory Coast side going out to Mohamed Elneny's Egypt at the round of 16 stage last week.
But upon linking up with his club teammates again, there was a theory amongst some Arsenal fans that Pepe will be Mikel Arteta's internal solution to the centre-forward situation.
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With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likely to join Barcelona on loan, coupled with the Gunners missing out on top target Dusan Vlahovic as a replacement, a lack of a natural goalscorer could prove costly in the top-four race.
Whilst Arteta can still call upon Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah to lead the line during the second half of the season, he's been urged to experiment with Pepe through the middle.
Although, the Spanish tactician and technical director Edu appear to have made a surprise decision regarding the club's record £72million signing that would result in the Ivorian not being given a chance to play as a striker.
As per 90min, Arsenal are willing to let Pepe depart on loan before the January transfer window closes tonight.
Furthermore, the report claims that an unnamed Spanish club are confident of agreeing a deal for the winger, while there has also been interest this month from German and French sides.
Prior to leaving for the AFCON, Pepe had become frustrated with his lack of game time at Arsenal and football.london reported he would re-consider his future should the situation not improve.
Although all signs have been pointing towards a major decision regarding the 26-year-old being made in the summer as he's at an age where he really should be a regular in any side.
So for Arteta and Edu to consider letting Pepe leave today would be a shock given how light Arsenal are in attack regardless of what happens with Aubameyang and his move to Barcelona.
With that said, it was rather interesting to see the club's official Twitter account post an 12-word message welcoming Pepe back to the squad amid talk of a transfer decision being made.
"Well played with #TeamCotedIvoire, good to have you back with us, Nico," the post read.
The timing of this message would suggest that the Gunners have no plans to let Pepe leave as there wouldn't be much time left to bring in a replacement.
In addition, after impressing at AFCON the winger could be Arsenal's secret weapon during the second half of the season.
He finished the tournament with more goal contributions (two goals, one assist) than Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez and converted his penalty in the shootout defeat against Egypt.
