The Gunners’ record signing failed to make the line-up again in the Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta has assured Nicolas Pepe is doing everything possible to live up to his club-record €80m transfer fee after failing to make the line-up once again.
The former Lille star has struggled to recreate his impressive performances from the Stade Pierre Mauroy over at the Emirates, with only 13 goals and assists in 61 appearances across all competitions.
This season has been even more challenging than the previous one. Pepe has become more of a fringe player, having made just four starts under Arteta in the Premier League. And he again had to settle for a bench spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with City.
The Ivorian did replace the injured Gabriel Martinelli early in the second half while the scoreline was 1-1. But he was powerless to stop City as the visitors smashed home three goals to seal a 4-1 routing at the Emirates.
“He is hurting, he is suffering – believe me, I am close to him – and he is trying his best,” said Arteta as quoted on Metro.
“He feels the responsibility because he knows why the club brought him here and he wants to deliver that.”
The Arsenal boss added: “I would always defend my players. Whatever I have to discuss with him, it will be internally.
“Pepe wants to do his best and help as much as he possibly can. This is what I am interested in.
“It is my job and if he doesn’t, it is my fault. He is trying his best. We all know Nico, and sometimes his body language makes him feel bad.”
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