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Paul Merson has made a harsh criticism about Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe, who he feels is really struggling to make a worthy contribution at the Emirates Stadium.

The right-winger finished his first season at the club with eight goals and 10 assists across all competitions, but his career in North London has been a little underwhelming so far after a big money move from Lille.

Pepe, who is on a deal worth £100,000-a-week (Spotrac), has started this season with four goals in 14 games across all competitions

The Ivory Coast international has only netted once in the Premier League so far and will serve a three-game suspension after his recent red card against Leeds United.

Merson has explained that he’s not a fan of the 25-year-old wide player:

“Nicolas Pepe looks out of his depth and he’s going to have to do it against much better teams than Molde to change my opinion,” Merson wrote in the Daily Star.

“He came in for £70-odd million. If they’d bought him for £20m nobody would be moaning. But the fee brings pressure, and he’s not been able to handle it.

“I watch him play and I don’t know what he brings to the table. But it’s not his fault Arsenal are struggling.”

TBR’s View:

Merson says he’s not sure what Pepe brings to the table, but he’s given glimpses that there is a player in there and he’s just yet to show it fully in the Premier League.

There is no doubt he needs to become a hit in the league to justify his £72million price tag (BBC) and it’s true that he’s gone missing for large spells of his Arsenal career so far.

But he’s a left-footer with incredible technique when cutting inside from the right flank and he’s scored three goals in just four Europa League group stage matches so far.

He’s got the confidence playing against lesser opponents to be be direct with his dribbling and brave on the ball, which is exactly the attitude he needs every time he steps on the pitch.