Arsenal hero Martin Keown reckons that Ivory Coast national-teamer Nicolas Pépé could block Bukayo Saka's development at the Gunners.

In truth, Pepe has not justified his big money move to Arsenal, with the North London club paying a club-record £72 million to Lille for his services, scoring only one goal (two assists) in nine appearances across all competitions.

Saka, who has spent fewer minutes on the pitch, has contributed to four goals (1 goal, 3 assists) in his four appearances, and outshone the Ivorian in Arsenal's last Premier League fixture at Manchester United.

Speaking to BT Sport, Keown said : ''If you think back to Arsene Wenger, he would never have blocked the path of a young player but they are in danger of doing that with Bukayo Saka.

''Pepe, is he going to get into the team? It's a massive amount of money they have paid for him and Lille will be laughing all the way to the bank with that one.

''It's still early days and maybe the player will turn it around but I haven't really seen what I expected to see from him''.

It was quick thinking Saka that helped to save a point for Arsenal against Manchester United after grabbing Axel Tuanzebe's loose pass and slipped a first time pass to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who cancelled Scott McTominay's opener.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com