Nicolas Pepe posted to his Instagram page a simple message to let Arsenal fans know that the winger would be available and ready for the rest of the season.
‘I’m back’ were the words he chose but without checking the list of available Arsenal substitutes against Wolves, there would be little indication that Mikel Arteta believed this to be the case.
The Ivorian has struggled for regular minutes at Arsenal since the rise of Bukayo Saka and Arteta’s preference of the England international on the right-hand side. football.london understood that Pepe would assess his options in the January window just gone if his situation didn’t improve.
Despite his game time remaining at a minimum, there was no movement. Perhaps due to Pepe’s participation at the African Cup of Nations where the 26-year-old was a key part of his nation’s progression through the tournament.
There was reported interest from Ligue 1 with both Marseille and Lyon said to have made enquiries to Arsenal about the player’s availability.
Pepe could yet see a door open into the Arsenal team this coming weekend however. Gabriel Martinelli was sent off in the 1-0 win over Wolves meaning he will be suspended for the visit of Brentford this coming Saturday.
Emile Smith-Rowe is the likely replacement for the Brazilian but Pepe would be the suspected first choice off the bench should the Gunners be in need of a goal.
Eddie Nketiah was brought on for Alexandre Lacazette at Wolves. Some supporters took to social media to vent their frustration and surprise that a player expected to depart for free in the summer was chosen over Pepe.
Although the like-for-like switch with the French striker does provide plenty of sound reasoning for the Spaniard’s decision.
However, should Arteta again refrain from introducing Pepe to the mix on Saturday, this could be the final verdict and indication that Pepe needs to begin work on finding a route out of north London.
Furthermore, Arsenal have been linked to a number of wide players in the winter months despite no move materialising in January.
Club Brugge’s Noa Lang was said to be interesting Arsenal and prior to a loan move to Tottenham, Dejan Kulusevski was also reportedly being considered.
In the end, Edu and Arteta felt the club did not need to reinforce the wide position in the winter. However, should they find an appropriate option in the summer, Pepe’s hand could be forced regarding an exit.
Pepe cost Arsenal a record £72 million but it is unlikely that the club will be able to accrue even half this amount in any sale.
The winger will have two years remaining on his deal in the summer and with no intention from the club or player, as of yet, to renew, clubs will be looking to try and take advantage of the situation to land a cut-price deal. Something Arsenal have been open to agreeing to for players not fitting in with Arteta’s project.
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