Nicolas Pepe will have to fight for his place claims Arsene Wenger
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been discussing Arsenal and some of their players, in particular, Nicolas Pepe. The Frenchman is of the opinion that Arsenal’s record new signing needs time but must be careful of competition for his place in the team.
Pepe has struggled since he signed from Lille in the Summer and the fans are desperate to see his full talent on display. Criticism is growing of his actions of the pitch, especially his reluctance to trackback.
But Wenger is confident we will get to see what Pepe has to offer but must remain patient.
“I like the player and I thought it was a good decision [to sign him],” Wenger told Omnisport. “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.”
What Wenger says does make sense but there is only so long before Pepe is dropped. Arsenal cannot carry passengers and that is what he is right now. The youngsters like Saka and Martinelli deserve their chance if the 24-year-old does not deliver soon.