Mikel Arteta has vowed to help Nicolas Pepe make a success of his Arsenal career, admitting the winger needs more playing time to thrive.
Pepe became the club’s record signing when he arrived from Lille in a £72million move in the summer of 2019.
After a middling first season in which he scored eight goals, the Ivorian has struggled to nail down a place in Arteta’s first XI, despite showing flashes of his brilliance.
He was also heavily criticised by the Spaniard for his sending off in the draw against Leeds before Christmas, but with Gabriel Martinelli injured and Willian woefully out of form, an opportunity could soon arise for a regular run in the side.
"We need to help him to (succeed)," Arteta said. "In order to do that he needs minutes, he needs consistency in the team and when he has that, he needs to show he is capable of doing it.
"Let's see how the next few months develop."
Pepe has found the net three times in the Europa League this term but only made four league starts and cut a frustrated figure during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Newcastle in the FA Cup before he was withdrawn with the tie goalless.
The 25-year-old has been an unused substitute in the Gunners' last two top flight wins and Crystal Palace visit on Thursday with compatriot Wilfried Zaha set to lead the line for the Eagles.
Arsenal notably decided to sign Pepe over Zaha when Unai Emery was in charge, but current manager Arteta has called for patience.
He added: "I think it is hard to make judgement on some players that haven't played many minutes over the last two or three weeks and to throw them in and expect them to be the best player on the pitch.
"I don't think it happens and Nico tried. He tried all the game and had some really good moments - moments where he could have scored two or three goals.
"In a normal circumstance and with his ability in those positions, he puts the ball in the back of the net. He didn't do it but I think his contribution overall was good.”
Additional reporting by PA.
