Granit Xhaka has urged Arsenal fans to show some patience with record signing Nicolas Pepe.
Pepe, 24, joined Arsenal from Lille in a £72m deal this summer but has struggled in his short time in the Premier League, scoring just once from the penalty spot.
The Ivorian was taken off in the defeat to Sheffield United on Monday night after wasting a golden chance to score.
Unai Emery is keeping faith with Pepe though and Arsenal captain Xhaka has also now issued a defence.
In the matchday programme ahead of the clash with Vitoria, Xhaka insists: “We are happy with him.
(Image: Getty)
“Everything is new for him, in the last two or three games, I think he’s improved a lot of things.
“He’s working hard, in defence as well. Maybe at the moment he just needs a bit of luck.”
Xhaka’s comments come after Arsenal boss Unai Emery used Fabinho as an example of players who struggled initially after moving to the Premier League.
Arsenal were keen on the midfielder before his £53m move to Liverpool and after a slow start at Anfield, Fabinho played a key role in the club’s Champions League success.
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“We spent money with Pepe, but Pepe needs time to adapt to the Premier League,” he said.
“For example, in France I loved a lot Fabinho. He was in Monaco and I wanted to sign him for Paris Saint-Germain.
“We spent money with Pepe, but Pepe needs time to adapt to the Premier League,” he said.
“For example, in France I loved a lot Fabinho. He was in Monaco and I wanted to sign him for Paris Saint-Germain. We need patience.”
