Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has warned Nicolas Pepe that he will have to fight for his place in the team, if his form does not improve.
Pepe joined from Lille for a club-record fee of £72million in the summer transfer window.
The Ivorian has been criticised for a sluggish start to his Gunners career, scoring once in 10 appearances in all competitions.
The 24-year-old has only completed 90 minutes in a Premier League match on four occasions.
With youngsters such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli having impressed in attacking roles this season, Wenger believes Pepe could start to come under pressure for a spot in Unai Emery’s starting line-up.
“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. 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,” Wenger told Omnisport.
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