Arsenal paid top dollar to sign Nicolas Pepe during the summer transfer window but the Ivorian is yet to cement his place in the first XI for the Gunners.

So far, Nicolas Pepe has played in 21 Premier League games for Arsenal and most of these appearances have been off the bench

And while last season, the winger had been scoring goals for fun in Ligue 1, this campaign, he’s found the back of the net only three times along with only two assists.

And according to ex-Gunner Ian Wright, Pepe needs to pull up his socks and work harder in order to justify his price tag.

“We definitely need more out of him, I’d like to see him play more and getting the creative players ramming the ball down his throat to get him taking on players,” the pundit said as quoted.

“In Arsenal’s current state in respect of money we cannot afford to pay that kind of money for somebody and three managers now are not really sold.

“That can’t happen, we’re not in that luxurious position. Whatever happens we’ve got to get a tune out of Pepe and quick.

“I don’t want to move him on, I want him to understand what he means and what he was bought for. When I watch him I’m not seeing drive and energy and desire.

“Three managers have benched him. One left him out when we needed a goal, there’s got to be something they’re not seeing.

“I’m not seeing enough movement from him, not seeing enough hunger from him to want to make something happen and he needs to start doing that because questions are starting to be asked.”

While Unai Emery did use Nicolas Pepe sparingly but Ljungberg and now Mikel Arteta have chosen to make it clear that the winger is nowhere close to his best and needs to impress the coaching staff before he can demand a regular place in the starting line-up.

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