Nicolas Pepe to replace Aubameyang Arsenal EPL
Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan Arsenal news

Arsenal face Leeds United this weekend at the Emirates and going into this game, the selection of Nicolas Pepe has been a major issue for the Gunners boss.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had missed the last few matches due to personal reasons and this allowed Nicolas Pepe to play down the left wing. And to everyone’s surprise, the 25-year-old has done pretty well in that new role.

But now with Aubameyang back in action, it will be interesting to see if Arteta chooses to hand back the Gabon international his usual position on the left-hand side or does Nicolas Pepe get to keep his place in the starting XI, thanks to his recent form.

While talking about Pepe and his recent spike in form, the Arsenal manager said, as per Arsenal.com: “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. 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.”

 

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Many pundits think Nicolas Pepe should be given the chance to play on the left-wing this weekend in the Premier League game vs Leeds United but there’s no way Arteta will want to keep someone like Aubameyang on the bench.

Auba can play up front as well but the Gabon international is the most prolific when playing on the left wing so if there’s no late drama then Nicolas Pepe should move back to the bench – making way for the 31-year-old.

But this is not all doom and gloom for Pepe since Arsenal face Benfica in the Europa League next week and there’s a massive chance the winger gets to play in that game since just three days later, the Gunners welcome Man City at the Emirates and someone like Aubameyang will need to remain fully fresh for that encounter.

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