Ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has offered his view on Nicolas Pepe.
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has told Goal that he thinks the Gunners made a ‘good decision’ to sign Nicolas Pepe – but warned him he may lose his place.
Arsenal made a real splash in the transfer market this summer, spending a huge £72million to sign winger Pepe from Lille (BBC Sport).
That makes the Ivorian the fourth-most expensive signing in Premier League history, and Arsenal fans were understandably excited about his arrival in North London.
With 23 goals and 12 assists for Lille last season, Pepe arrived at Arsenal with a burgeoning reputation, but he’s yet to really hit top form for the Gunners.
Pepe has only really shown flashes of his quality, particularly struggling in away games at Watford and Manchester United, with fans wanting him to get more involved.
He’s still managed to grab a goal and three assists in all competitions, but Pepe looks a little passive at the moment as he attempts to adjust to Premier League football.
Now, ex-Arsenal boss Wenger has given his honest view, as whilst he admitted he loved the decision to sign Pepe, he feels Pepe doesn’t look like he’s playing with the same freedom he had at Lille.
Wenger added that Arsenal have really talented young players out wide – such as Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli – so warned Pepe that could lose his place if he doesn’t hit top form soon.
“I like the player and I thought it was a good decision [to sign him],” said Wenger. “He’s not yet completely adapted and you have to give him some time. He looks a little bit to be playing not with the freedom he did in France at the moment.”
“I see some characteristics of his game, especially off the ball, that don’t happen at the moment. On the other hand, I must say we have good young players who can play on the flanks, [and] that he will have a fight to keep his position,” he added.
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