There is starting to be some murmurings about Nicolas Pepe and his performances to date for Arsenal, mainly from TV pundits, opposition fans and also from a few Arsenal fans.
The £72 Million record signing has yet to show his true capabilities in an Arsenal shirt and it is that transfer fee that seems to be getting people questioning his worth.
The 24-year-old was a roaring success in France for Lille last season and it was hoped he would replicate the form he displayed in Ligue 1 from the very start of his career in England, however, that was always going to be a little optimistic when you consider he had no pre-season and has to adapt to a brand new league, something that former Gunner Robert Pires has pointed out.
“With Lille, he was fantastic. Last season he was one of the best players, he scored 21 or 22 goals,” said Pires. “He’s a great player.
“Now he’s playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and he needs to adapt. It’s so difficult, very tough. So I want to say to the fans you need to be patient with Pepe.”
Pires knows what it is like to adapt to the English game and he should be listened to, it is ridiculous to start saying that Pepe is a waste of money at this moment in time.
Patience is required, Thierry Henry needed time, so did Dennis Bergkamp and so did Pires himself and it is clear for anyone that is prepared to be honest that Pepe is undoubtedly top quality.
The Ivory Coast forward has already shown us, in glimpses, what he can do and it is just a matter of time before he explodes on to the scene in style.
It just needs patience and those that are patient will be rewarded.