Nicolas Pepe is frustrated with his lack of playing time under Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

The 25-year-old, Nicolas Pepe Arsenal’s record £72million signing, have an impact on in the cup competitions this season but has started only one match in the Premier League. Nicolas Pepe has disclosed he is unhappy with his lack of playing time under Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

There have been undeniable moments of quality, but just 11 goals in 54 appearances have been a discouraging return for the frontman, who has struggled to cement a place in Arteta’s starting XI.

And Pepe has now admitted his lack of first-team minutes his impede his ability to show his quality.

“My goal is to play more. To have a little more playing time,” Ivory Coast winger Pepe told French channel Canal Plus.

“A player who plays is happy. For me, I would like to play a little more to find a smile again.

“He (Arteta) wants me to be 100 per cent focused during the 90 minutes of the match. Afterwards, I see during training that I will be a substitute the following weekend.

“But the coach speaks to me, he also has assistants who are there for that. But it is frustrating for any player to be on the bench.

“A super-sub role? The coach makes his choices. It’s up to me to show him that I don’t have that role.”