‘I hope’: Arteta wants ‘outstanding’ Arsenal man to sign new deal, despite having more than two-years left

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Nicolas Pepe might not have played much this season for Arsenal, but manager Mikel Arteta is hoping that the Ivorian wants to stay at Arsenal beyond his current deal.

The Gunners have made a habit in recent years of either giving out big contracts they regretted – see Ozil and Aubameyang – or letting them run down to the last minute – see Lacazette and Nketiah this year.

But while Nicolas Pepe has another two years plus on his deal, his manager is hoping that the 26-year-old is thinking about extending his stay in North London. This, despite his lack of minutes this season.

“I hope he does.But I understand that when a player doesn’t play he is disappointed and Nico has been disappointed because he wanted to have more minutes,” Arteta told The Evening Standard when asked about Pepe’s future.

“But hopefully he can play many more minutes and he can contribute to the team because he has the ability to do it.”

Pepe has played just five times this season and was last seen in an Arsenal shirt on Boxing Day. However, Arteta has also spoken in the same article about how impressed he’s been with Pepe in training. That, then, could hint at more chances to come.

TBR’s View: Pepe Needs To Produce

Especially so, if he wants a new contract. He’ll be up there in terms of high earners at the club and he’ll need to show a bit more if he’s to warrant that new deal. The good news for him is that Arteta clearly likes him.

Paul Merson called Pepe outstanding just over a month ago for one performance. More of that, then, will be needed to show the Arsenal higher-ups that he warrants fresh terms.