Absent from the Big Four since the 2015/2016 season, Arsenal may be putting an end to this series of poor performances in the Premier League. Fourth in the standings, the Gunners have the weapons to hold their position and return to the Champions League next season. Long criticized, Mikel Arteta finally seems to have found the right formula.
But not all Gunners are smiling. Finally especially Nicolas Pépé (26 years old). The most expensive rookie in the history of the London club (€80m), the Ivorian international (33 caps, 9 goals) is going through an ordeal in England. Established only five times this season, the former Lille player has a starving record (1 goal, 1 assist in 15 league appearances).
Disappeared from radar screens, Pépé is clearly not a priority for Arteta. Going from flagship rookie to plague-stricken, the Ivorian seized this international break as a lifeline. “It’s an honor to play for Côte d’Ivoire. The most important thing is to enjoy your football. It’s something I’m able to do when I get the chance to play.”he told Metrobefore taking stock of his situation.
Grandpa is frustrated
“It’s frustrating not to play. No player likes not to play, but I have to respect the coach’s decision. When a team wins, it’s hard for a coach to make changes. Mikel explained it to me and I know I have to work hard in training to get more playing time. The coach knows what I’m thinking and how hard I work. It is also a question of communication. Sometimes it is not easy to communicate with the language barrier”.
Can such a situation continue? Linked to Arsenal until 2024, Pépé enjoys a very comfortable contract (7.8 M€ annually). What make him take his pain patiently? Maybe not. For the first time, Pépé leaves the door open to a possible departure. “I am focused on our performances until the end of the season and on the club’s objective which is to reach the Champions League. Then we’ll see what happens. » On good terms.
