Nico Pepe’s future at Arsenal has been questioned by several fans this season, with many wondering if the former-Lille man has what it takes to succeed in the Premier League. Following his sending off against Leeds United on the weekend, Pepe will miss three Premier Leagues (Wolves, Spurs, and Southampton), which will certainly not help his case.

However, the ever-reliable David Ornstein is confident that the Ivorian is not ‘doomed’ despite recent failures.

In an interview with The Athletic, which you can watch here, he says:

“From what I hear he’s [Pepe] a popular figure inside the club, trains well & hard, showcases his skills & ability. Arsenal have invested a hell of a lot money into him & I see absolutely no way in which they cast him off or look for him to leave.”

David Ornstein, The Athletic

We always knew Pepe would need time to settle, but he is now 25 and has yet to show major signs that he is adapting to Premier League football. Arsenal’s attack is suffering and Pepe has not been the savior Mikel Arteta so desperately needs. Nevertheless, he is likely to get a chance to redeem himself against Molde tomorrow, with Arteta indicating that the plan is to start him in the fourth game of Arsenal’s Europa League campaign.

The manager said in his press conference: “We’re giving him time and he needed some time to adapt to the Premier League, a new city, a new language and a new environment. He has reacted the right way and hopefully I can see a player that shows that every week.”

Header Photo: Bigmatbasket, Wikimedia Commons