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Joe Cole has claimed that Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe has started to show serious “bits of quality” in recent games, and was particularly impressed with him after his latest display.

Pundit and ex-England international Cole was complimentary of Gunners attacker Pepe in midweek after he helped inspire his side to a 3-1 Premier League win away to Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old right-winger scored twice to ensure Arsenal still have a chance of sneaking into the European positions on the final day of the league season.

He believes that the Ivory Coast international won’t want the season to end.

“Pepe, we’ve looked at him over the last few months and really questioned the price tag, but he’s shown some real bits of quality in recent weeks. He’s really coming into his own. He won’t want the season to end,” Cole told BT Sport 1 (8:55pm, 19 May).

Pepe, who earns £100,000-a-week, has now scored three goals in his last two league appearances.

The left-footed wide player has hit a purple patch of form, so surely Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will start him in Sunday’s home clash against Brighton.

TBR’s View:

Pepe has always been under the microscope due to the fact Arsenal splashed out £72million (BBC) to sign him from Lille two years ago.

His tally of 14 goals across all competitions this season is a solid return, but someone of his talent should be capable of hitting those numbers up higher.

If you consider a lot of the Arsenal squad needs revamping going into next season, Pepe is one of the individuals at the Emirates Stadium that could still have the best ahead of him if he can just find some consistency in his game.