Arsenal may have found Nicolas Pepe replacement after Saturday development – Campbell
Kevin Campbell has claimed Arsenal may have found their replacement for Nicolas Pepe in Marquinhos.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gunners and Everton striker called for Mikel Arteta to include the 19-year-old in the first team on the back of what he has seen so far.
Arsenal signed Marquinhos from Sao Paolo on 10 June.
On Saturday (6 August), the winger started for the Gunners’ under-21s in a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
The summer signing had a hand in all three goals on the day and scored the second.
When asked by Football Insider if Marquinhos could step into Pepe’s role at the Emirates this season, Campbell said: “Yeah, maybe.
“From what I’ve heard, Marquinhos had a really good game. I saw the highlights and he looked really lively.
“We have not really seen him in action for the first team yet. It will be interesting to see what he can do.
“He has played first team football in Brazil. He looks fit, strong and quick. I think he has a good left foot on him as well.
“I am not averse to him coming in, being on the bench for games and getting minutes. I would like to see him involved in the cup games. Let’s see what he can do.
“He is only young but this Mikel Arteta regime is about developing these youngsters.
“Why not get him in and get him up to speed as soon as possible? It would be really good to see him involved.”
In other news, an Arsenal idol has made a ‘remarkable’ William Saliba claim after a ‘big’ reveal from Mikel Arteta.