Arteta has ‘lost faith’ in Pepe after apparent Arsenal ‘fall out’ behind the scenes – Campbell
Mikel Arteta has “lost faith” in Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pepe, according to Kevin Campbell.
The former Gunners hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Spanish boss “doesn’t want to pick” the 26-year-old.
Pepe failed to appear off the bench for the fifth consecutive league game as Arsenal fell to a 2-1 away defeat against Everton on Monday (6 December).
Arteta instead elected to introduce Eddie Nketiah – who squandered a golden chance to restore the Gunners’ lead from just a yard out.
When asked about that decision, as quoted by Metro (6 December), the Arsenal boss suggested Nketiah’s consistency in training was the reason behind his inclusion off the bench.
Campbell insisted Arteta doesn’t feel Pepe can “make a difference” at Arsenal.
“I just think the manager doesn’t fancy him,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I’m not sure what’s going on behind the scenes. Whether there’s been a fall-out I don’t know, but Arteta clearly doesn’t want to pick him.
“The manager has lost faith in him. He’s the record signing and was brought in to make a difference. But clearly, Arteta doesn’t feel that he is that player.
“It says something when he prefers Nketiah off the bench. Especially as he’s going to be out the door very soon himself.”
Pepe’s last league start came in mid-October, in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal paid a reported club-record £72million fee to secure the signing of the Ivorian winger from Lille in 2019.
He has contributed 25 goals and 18 assists in 98 games for the Gunners.
In other news, a pundit believes this Arsenal big name is fuming with Arteta – “there’s no way he’s going to be happy”.