Nicolas Pepe, the winger who was signed by Arsenal for a staggering £72m, has been struggling to make an impact in the Premier League. Despite his impressive performances for Lille in the French league, Pepe has failed to replicate that form for the Gunners, leading to questions about his future at the club.

Pepe’s Arsenal career so far

Pepe joined Arsenal in August 2019, becoming the club’s most expensive signing in history. The winger was expected to bring a new level of quality to the Gunners’ attack, but he has failed to live up to expectations. In his first season, Pepe scored just eight goals in 42 appearances, with only four of those coming in the Premier League.

Comparison to other Premier League wingers

When compared to other Premier League wingers, Pepe’s stats are disappointing. For instance, Manchester City‘s Riyad Mahrez has scored 13 goals in 24 appearances this season, while Liverpool‘s Sadio Mane has netted 15 goals in 26 appearances. Even Chelsea‘s Christian Pulisic, who has been injured for most of the season, has managed to score six goals in 16 appearances.

What’s going wrong for Pepe?

There are several reasons why Pepe has struggled to make an impact for Arsenal. One of the main issues is his lack of consistency. The winger has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has failed to maintain that level of performance over a sustained period. Additionally, Pepe has often been played out of position, with manager Mikel Arteta deploying him as a central striker or on the right wing, rather than his preferred left wing position.

Can Pepe turn it around?

Despite his struggles, Pepe still has the potential to turn his Arsenal career around. The winger has shown glimpses of his quality, particularly in the Europa League, where he has scored three goals in six appearances. If Pepe can find a way to replicate that form in the Premier League, he could become a valuable asset for the Gunners.

Conclusion

Nicolas Pepe‘s Arsenal career has been disappointing so far, but there is still hope that he can turn it around. With the right guidance and support, Pepe could become a key player for the Gunners. However, if he continues to struggle, Arsenal may be forced to consider selling the winger, which would be a huge blow to the club.

What do you think about Nicolas Pepe‘s Arsenal career? Let us know in the comments below!