Nicolas Pepe has suggested that he could remain at Arsenal for the upcoming campaign.
Having cost as much as £72m in 2019, the winger has endured a mixed three years at the Emirates Stadium, being restricted to just 43 starts in the Premier League.
In total, 27 goals and 21 assists have come from his 112 appearances in all competitions, a respectable return given that 45 outings have come from the substitutes' bench.
Nevertheless, with two years remaining on his contract and Mikel Arteta having already strengthened in the final third, it appeared inevitable that the 27-year-old would be allowed to leave the Gunners this summer.
However, the Ivory Coast international has hinted on Instagram that he may be prepared to continue his career in North London for the time being.
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In a caption accompanying a photo of him representing the club during pre-season, Pepe said: "I worked hard during the summer. Changed a lot of things. I'm focused and determined with Arsenal and my team-mates."
Pepe has featured for no more than an hour in each of the pre-season victories over Nurnberg, Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea.
In total, however, he has received 168 minutes on the pitch at a time when Arteta will be anticipating bids for one of his creative players.
The Spaniard has already acknowledged that Arsenal must start the process of finding new homes for some of the squad's fringe members, although it is unclear whether Pepe falls into that category.
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Should Pepe still be made available for transfer despite his comments, he will not be short of offers from the Premier League and abroad.
Leeds United and Everton have both been linked with an approach for the playmaker in recent weeks, either on a permanent or temporary deal.
As it stands, Leeds have replaced the outgoing Raphinha and Tyler Roberts with Brenden Aaronson and Luis Sinisterra, but Jesse Marsch could still enter the market for more attack-minded players.
Meanwhile, Everton boss Frank Lampard requires a like-for-like replacement for Richarlison, who was sold to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer.
Darren Plant
