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Emery happy to stay patient with Arsenal record buy Pepe

Unai Emery hopes to have Nicolas Pepe ready to feature in Arsenal's opening Premier League fixture against Newcastle United but insists he will not rush the winger.

Pepe arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Lille last week in a reported club-record £72 million deal.

However, the Ivory Coast international was in Africa Cup of Nations action this close season and, having just linked up with Arsenal, sat out the 2-1 friendly defeat to Barcelona on Sunday.

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Emery is still optimistic Pepe will be ready for the trip to Newcastle this coming Sunday, but he will take no risks with the 24-year-old.