Arsenal flop makes a defiant statement on his future and on Mikel Arteta

Nicolas Pepe, the Ivorian winger who was signed by Arsenal for a club-record fee of £72 million in 2019, has opened up about his future at the club. Pepe spent this season out on loan in France at Nice, where he has been performing decently.

Arsenal decided to loan out Pepe in the summer transfer window because he didn’t fit the plans of Mikel Arteta. The Gunners seem to have done well without him as they are currently first on the Premier League table with 72 points after 29 games but are closely followed by second-placed Manchester City which has 64 points plus a game in hand.

In an interview with reporters, Pepe spoke about his future at Arsenal. He said, “I don’t know what Arsenal want. I still have a lot of friends there. I could have been important for the club, but those are the coach’s choices.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-1 during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

“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,” he added.

Pepe’s comments suggest that he is open to returning to Arsenal but is also considering other options. It remains to be seen what Arsenal’s plans are for him and whether they will try to bring him back or sell him permanently.

In conclusion, Pepe’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the summer transfer window. The Gunners have done well without him this season, but his performances at Nice suggest that he still has a lot to offer at the highest level.