‘Quite like him’: Danny Murphy says he’s a fan of Nicolas Pepe

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Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT that he is actually a fan of Nicolas Pepe and suggested that the forward is judged too harshly amid speculation that he could now leave Arsenal.

It would be no surprise to see Pepe leave the Emirates before the transfer window closes. The forward is yet to feature in either of their opening two Premier League games.

He is attracting attention. Reports this week claimed that Nice want Pepe on loan. And initial talks have already taken place with his agent.

Unfortunately, it appears that there is absolutely no chance of Arsenal recouping what they paid for Pepe. And with that, he is likely going to be remembered as one of the most disappointing signings in the club’s history.

However, Murphy has hit back at the criticism Pepe has faced. The pundit clearly thinks that the transfer fee has really hurt the 27-year-old during his time in England.

“You have to look past this. Just on Pepe, I quite like him,” he told talkSPORT.

“He’s a talented player. But his first two seasons were alright. His second season, when he became a bit more settled, he got 16 goals in 47 games.

“That’s a lot more than a lot of players who we say are good players in the Premier League. 16 goals in 47 games is not bad. The season after, he fell away, probably because of Saka and Emile Smith Rowe coming through and taking his place.”

Murphy a fan of Nicolas Pepe

Pepe obviously can have no say over what fee Arsenal paid for him. So it is unfair to be too critical of him and his form since his move to the Premier League.

But he has not changed enough games since joining the Gunners. And it does seem that the best chance of Arsenal receiving a significant fee is if he leaves on loan and impresses elsewhere.

Unfortunately, it is simply a move that has not worked out for anyone. And Arsenal now need to weigh up whether they are better off having him on the periphery of the squad, or sending him out on loan.