Nicolas Pepe is frustrated and ready to assess his January options if his situation doesn’t change before the window opens, according to a report.

Football.London report that Nicolas Pepe is planning to assess his options if his game-time doesn’t improve before January.

The same outlet adds that Pepe is frustrated and a loan deal is his best shot at a January move, but even then, it’s unlikely potential suitors will be able to afford his salary.

From an Arsenal point of view, it seems Mikel Arteta sees the winger as dispensable, and they would entertain offers if they came in.

Ironically, Pepe probably has a better chance of featuring in the next couple of games than he’s had for a while.

With Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli struggling for fitness and two games in a few days, Arteta will have more reason than usual to bring Pepe in.

To an extent, it’s up to Pepe himself to make the most of that opportunity.

If he plays and scores in a good result or two for Arsenal, Arteta can hardly afford to drop him back to the bench. Goals haven’t been easy to come by for his side.

The Arsenal fans will certainly be more sympathetic to Pepe’s frustration if they feel he’s actually earning chances on the pitch.

Pepe has a goal and three assists this season, but only one of those goal contributions came in his 482 minutes of Premier League football.

The winger actually started the season in the team, making the lineup for four of the first five Premier League games. It was only after he failed to have a significant impact in those matches that he dropped out.

It would certainly be a good thing if he returned to the team with plenty of goals and assists to get Arsenal going again. Otherwise, the transfer rumours are only going to build.