Arsene Wenger tells Nicolas Pepe how to nail down Arsenal first-team role

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that one way for winger Nicolas Pepe to improve his game is his ability off the ball.

Pepe joined Arsenal for a club-record £72m earlier this summer but he has struggled in his start to life at the Emirates, scoring only one goal in 10 appearances and only completing 90 minutes in four games.

Speaking to Omnisport, Wenger said that he likes what he sees in the Ivory Coast international but admitted that with the likes of Bukayo Saka also impressing, the attacker has a fight on his hands to cement a starting role in Unai Emery‘s side.

“I like the player and I thought it was a good decision [to sign him],” the Frenchman said. “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.”

Arsenal went into the international break third in the Premier League table following a 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Sunday.

Get the latest personalised Arsenal products on our new TEAMtalk Gunners shop!