Arteta says he expects Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe to go ‘to the next level’ soon

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he expects Nicolas Pepe to continue to improve, and believes he can go to the ‘next level’ very soon.

Pepe has started to show glimpses of the talent Arsenal thought they were buying when they splashed out over £70m on the Ivorian.

Arteta has moved Pepe to the left in recent weeks, with Bukayo Saka often playing on the right and then swapping positions throughout the game with his compatriot.

And speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash with Leeds United, Arteta admits he is impressed with what he’s seeing from Pepe, but expects there is even more to come soon.

“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,” Arteta said.

“I really like his attitude. What’s he’s done in the last few weeks I think it’s been much better. He still has a lot of room to improve and grow and he’s willing to do that so I’m expecting him to go to the next level very soon.”

Pepe is one of the bigger earners at The Emirates, with Spotrac claiming he pulls around £140k-a-week for his efforts. However, he’s already hit four PL goals this season, just one shy of the total he managed all last year.

TBR View: Pepe is showing signs and it’s good news for Arsenal

Arsenal have waited a while to see the best of Nicolas Pepe but he is starting to deliver it seems. He has all the tools, so in fairness, it’s about time he began showing his current levels.

If Pepe can continue as he is then the Gunners have a fearsome attacking trio really. Bukayo Saka has been superb, and it might even encourage Arteta to use Aubameyang down the middle.