Graeme Souness gives verdict on Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe after Everton showing

Graeme Souness has tipped Nicolas Pepe to be a star in English football despite him making a slow start at Arsenal.

The Ivorian winger arrived at the Emirates in the summer to huge expectation off the back of his £70million transfer from Lille.

But he struggled to hit the ground running for his new club as he got to grips with his change in surroundings.

Arsenal are only now beginning to see what Pepe can really offer, with his latest performances catching the eye of Souness.

"It was difficult for him to start with. There was a lot of huffing and puffing," Souness told Sky Sports.

"They paid a lot of money for him but I think he has everything to be successful in our game. Not just to succeed but to be a star in our game.

"He has great pace, quick feet and eye for a goal.

"It has been a difficult learning curve.

"If they get him right they will be a difficult team to play against."

Pepe followed up his man of the match display against Newcastle with another assist in the win over Everton on Sunday.

The 24-year-old provided the cross for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to head home what proved to be the eventual winner as Arsenal sealed a 3-2 victory.

And Souness had another message for Arsenal over the future of captain Aubameyang.

"He is 30, he is at the top of his game." Souness told Sky Sports. "He is a really good player.

"Coming here I was worried how he would deal with the English game but he has taken it all in his stride.