‘Mikel has explained’: Record-breaking player is ‘frustrated’ at Arsenal

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Nicolas Pepe has admitted that he is frustrated with the lack of minutes at Arsenal this season, with the Ivory Coast international contemplating his future at the club.

Speaking to the press via the Sun, the 26-year-old attacker revealed that this season has been a tough one, with Pepe hardly starting for Arsenal and the attacker scoring just one Premier League goal.

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Whilst Pepe has impressed when given the chance this season, the record-breaking Arsenal signing is struggling to win back his spot in the XI, with the former LOSC Lille star last making a league start for the Gunners back in October.

Arsenal’s club-record signing at £72m as per BBC Sport, all signs are pointing towards Pepe leaving north London this summer, with Mikel Arteta unlikely to drop Bukayo Saka or Emile Smith Rowe for the African superstar.

And when asked about his future at Arsenal, Pepe sounded more than unconvinced he will be staying for long, with the attacker saying: “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 added: “It is frustrating not to play. No player enjoys not playing but I have to respect the coach’s decision. Mikel has explained that to me and I know I have to work hard in training to get more playing time. It has been a tough season for me.”

European football could see Pepe return to the Arsenal spotlight

There’s no denying Pepe’s qualities that led to Arsenal spending a club-record fee for the attacker in 2019, and competing in Europe next season could see the forward play much more football for the Gunners than he has done this year.

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Indeed, whilst it would be understandable if the attacker left this summer, Pepe could be an excellent option for Arsenal next season in continental football, with the Ivorian an electric option off the bench or as a rotational player for the likes of Saka.