Wenger speaks out on Nicolas Pepe’s slow start to his Arsenal career

Arsenal signed Nicolas Pepe in the summer transfer window and he’s had a slow start to his career in North London as the fans have already started getting scared that he might not adapt to the demands of the Premier League. Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also gave his opinions on the player.

Nicolas Pepe has so far scored one penalty goal and made three assists in all competitions but he has however looked underwhelming in these few matches that he has so far played in hence the football pundits and former Arsenal players criticizing him with some claiming that the former Lille attacker is getting outperformed by 18-year-old Bukayo Saka.

Arsene Wenger has however come out with a more positive opinion on Nicolas Pepe, the former Arsenal boss claims that he does like Nicolas Pepe but claims that the 24-year-old hasn’t fully adapted to the Premier League and that he isn’t playing with a lot of freedom as he was in Lille.

“I like the player and I thought it was a good decision [to sign him]. He’s not yet completely adapted and you have to give him some time.” said Wenger as quoted by Express Sport.

“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.”