Nicolas Pépé was one of the players Arsenal signed in the summer as the winger arrived at the Emirates from Lille for a club-record transfer fee.
Over the weekend, the Ivory Coast international explained his decision to join the Gunners and stressed the north London side’s “ambitions” as one of the reasons.
The 24-year-old has made seven appearances in league for Unai Emery’s side, but has managed only a goal and an assist so far. He scored his first goal against Aston Villa after he converted from the penalty spot.
Having invested heavily to acquire the Ivorian’s services, he is yet to replicate his Lille form for the Europa League runners-up. Pépé even failed to shine for his side in their 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Monday.
After the tie at Old Trafford, RMC Sport managed to get hold of the player, where Pépé admitted he is taking time to adjust to his new life in England.
“My beginnings? They are not easy, it is necessary to tell the truth,” Pépé said.
“I’m not performing well enough in terms of my stats or my usual impact. It’s not the same as in Lille or at the Liverpool match at the start of the season. Confidence has to come back. I’m not very concerned.”
“People may be worried about statistics, but I’m not. I have to keep working because the level is different, so is the language. It’s a new league for me. I have to adapt quickly but it will not be long.”
“We’re here, we’re in the right part of the table. We had big games, like Aston Villa (3-2) where we came back and we won with a man down. It’s part of our games that give us the mindset. Like the one at Old Trafford.”
