Arteta believes Pepe is ready to play a key role for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is expecting Nicolas Pepe ‘to go to the next level’ imminently following the Ivorian’s much improved recent displays for Arsenal. Pepe joined the Gunners in a £72m deal from Lille in the summer of 2019, struggling during his first season in English football but has shown promise since the turn of the year, scoring in two of his last four appearances in the league. The 25-year-old is hoping for a fifth consecutive start against Leeds United on Sunday – having been shown a straight red for a headbutt on Ezgjan Alioski in the reverse fixture in November. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Arteta expressed his delight with Pepe’s improving form, explaining his efforts on the training pitch are now being reflected in matches. Asked what more we can expect from Pepe, the Gunners boss said:

‘Again, that he can maintain that level now for months, not weeks. I think he’s done much much better.  ‘I think there has been a click with him, even in his mentality, how he’s approaching every training session, the importance of every action in the game and how he can sustain his focus and his determination during games. ‘I really like his attitude. What’s he’s done in the last few weeks I think it’s been much better.

Nicolas Pepe in Action