EPL: Give him a chance – Eboue begs Arteta to bring back Arsenal’s £72m signin

Former Arsenal defender, Emmanuel Eboue has pleaded with Mikel Arteta to recall their record signing Nicolas Pepe to the Emirates Stadium next season and give him a chance to prove himself.

Pepe had a huge burden on his shoulders to prove he was worth the £72m the Gunners spent to bring him to the Emirates Stadium from Lille in 2019.

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Before moving to Arsenal, the Ivory Coast international had spent two productive seasons at Lille, scoring 37 goals in 80 appearances.

But he went on to struggle for consistency in north London, netting 27 times in 112 matches over three seasons and was sent out on loan to Nice at the start of the 2022-23 campaign.

The Ivorian has continued to underwhelm at the French side this season, scoring just eight goals in all competitions.

Reports say that the Gunners are prepared to sell Pepe to recoup some of the £72m they spent almost four years ago, but Eboue said his compatriot should be given the chance in the Premier League.

Eboue told Ladbrokes: “It’s going to be very hard for Nicolas Pepe to get back into this Arsenal team.

“Pepe has to work hard when he comes back. He needs to work harder than Martinelli and Saka.

“Pepe needs to force himself into Arteta’s thoughts and plans. I’d be really happy to see him at Arsenal next season, though. And I ask that Arteta gives him a chance.”