Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe needs to be given time to adapt to life in England after his £72million transfer from Lille. That’s the verdict of Gunners hero Arsene Wenger. Arsenal winger Pepe has endured a rough start to life in the Premier League after moving from Ligue 1. The Ivory Coast national has only managed to score once for the club, and has provided one assist.

But Wenger believes the 24-year-old needs to simply be given time before he is judged, as he isn’t playing with the same “freedom” as he did for Lille. "I like the player and I thought it was a good decision [to sign him]," Wenger said on Monday. "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.

Arsene Wenger has discussed Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe had an impressive game against Bournemouth

"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.” Pepe had an impressive game against Bournemouth on Sunday, as he provided the assist for David Luiz’s header - the only goal of the game. On one occasion, he proved how confident he is with the ball at his feet by taking on three Cherries defenders.

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Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has had a rough start to life at the Emirates