Agent: Only Aubameyang better performing at Arsenal than Pepe | OneFootball

The agent of Nicolas Pepe has jumped to the defence of the Arsenal attacker after his dismissal during Sunday's 0-0 draw at Leeds United.

The Ivory Coast international appeared to move his head towards Ezgjan Alioski during their off-the-ball altercation, leaving referee Anthony Taylor with no other choice but to reach for a red card after a VAR review.

Now his agent Samir Khiat has claimed that the club-record fee has proved to be a burden for Pepe, who in his view, remains one of Arsenal's best-attacking players.

Khiat told L'Equipe: "Nicolas did well at Lille. We are always expecting more from Nicolas Pepe which is normal because he has been transferred to Arsenal for a consequent transfer fee.

"When you look at the chances created by Arsenal for the past two seasons, Pepe has been the attacking player who created most of the chances with Aubameyang.

"He is still adapting and he is requested to perform better, which is normal, he has been transferred for an important fee and he knows it.

"Nicolas is not cheating, he is not a cheater. He maybe needs more time to adapt, but it will eventually work well."