Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has been unable to handle the pressure of being signed for a “big” transfer fee since his arrival at the Emirates, according to Rio Ferdinand.

The former Manchester United player said there were no excuses for the Ivorian international’s red card against Leeds and he thinks the 25-year-old is failing to show off the natural talent he possesses:

“You’re a player who said before the international break that he wants to get back into the team, that he needs his chance and he’s not happy. You get given your opportunity and you do something so ridiculously stupid and get sent off. It doesn’t make sense. You let your team-mates down and yourself down.”

“I want to see Pepe do well. I saw him at Lille, beautiful footballer with skills. He needs to do it at Arsenal. The big fee brings pressure and he’s not dealing with it right now.”

As Ferdinand points out, Pepe was raising concerns about his playing time during the international break, but when he was given his chance, he failed to take it.

What happens now is anybody’s guess. The winger has apologised for being sent off and it will be interesting to see whether manager Mikel Arteta will look to start him in the Europa League against Molde later this week.

Considering he will be suspended for the Wolves game, Pepe could be selected, especially as Willian is also struggling with an injury. Whether he’ll put in a performance that shows he’s determined to get back into Arteta’s good books, it remains to be seen.