George Lewis claims ‘phenomenal’ Nicolas Pepe has helped him settle at Arsenal

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Arsenal youngster George Lewis has told iTromso that Nicolas Pepe has helped him settle into life at the Emirates Stadium, following his summer move to the club.

The youngster arrived having been released by Norwegian club Fram Larvik and notched his first goal for the under-21 ranks in their win over Ipswich in the Football League Trophy on Tuesday night.

Settling in looks to have gone well for the 20-year-old forward and he has put that down to the man he sees as a ‘big brother’.

Lewis told iTromso: “Pepe’s become a really good friend and is like a big brother to me. Of course, there are other players I get along with too, but most of all it’s Pepe.

“First of all, he’s a really good guy. He’s a phenomenal footballer and we’re quite similar people on and off the pitch, so he’s really helped me settle.”

Pepe joined Arsenal a year ago from Lille, costing the club £72 million – a club-record fee for the Gunners (BBC).

The £140k-a-week (Spotrac) winger grew into the campaign as it progressed following a tricky start to life in the Premier League.

He finished with eight goals and 10 assists to his name and at 25 there is enough to suggest he should continue progressing under Mikel Arteta’s management.

Lewis’ comments perhaps suggest that Pepe is a big influence on the younger players in the dressing room.

The youngster only arrived in the summer and it’s perhaps telling that Pepe has made his mission to help the winger settle in.

Lewis produced an eyecatching debut earlier this week and with Arteta keen to develop the club’s youngsters, he could earn a first-team call if he continues working hard.