Nicolas Pepe insists Arsenal teammate Gabriel Martinelli can shock Chelsea's defence tonight.

Pepe has backed Martinelli to fill the void left by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the hunt for a top-four finish intensifies with Arsenal's visit to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

The 18-year-old Brazilian scored in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Sheffield United and Pepe said: “Of course, it is a big loss to be without one of the best strikers in the League, but we all have to do our best to make up for that loss. It's a team game and we can cope without a single player. We have a quality squad and others who can come in, like Martinelli. There are still plenty of goals in the team."

Pepe has struggled to find any consistency, although Arteta's arrival at the Emirates has coincided with an upturn in fortunes for the 24-year-old Ivory Coast winger.

“Things are definitely going better," said Pepe of his own form. “I am still learning and there is plenty of room for improvement, but in terms of understanding, things are definitely becoming easier.

“Mikel has explained exactly what he would like me to do on the pitch and shown me videos that have stressed the importance of my positioning. He's told me what he would like me to do to help me progress as a player."