Arsenal 'will not loan out Nicolas Pepe in January'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is not reportedly not considering the possibility of allowing Nicolas Pepe to leave the club on loan during the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old has largely struggled for the Gunners since arriving from Lille in August 2019, managing just six goals and six assists in 39 Premier League appearances.

Pepe was handed a start against Leeds United on Sunday but was given his marching orders in the second half of the goalless draw after putting his head towards Ezgjan Alioski.

According to The Times, Arteta is planning on sitting down with the attacker to discuss his form and attitude, but there are currently no plans for the Ivory Coast international to leave on a short-term basis at the start of 2021.

The report claims that Arsenal's domestic and European commitments mean that the club are not prepared to sanction an exit in the middle of the campaign.

Pepe, who has recently apologised for his conduct against Leeds, has a contract at the Emirates Stadium until the end of the 2023-24 season.