Arsenal boss Unai Emery reveals he twice missed out on signing Fabinho and says Nicolas Pepe should use

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has revealed how he twice missed out on signing Fabinho, the Liverpool star rated as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Fabinho played a key role in helping Monaco win Ligue 1 in 2017, as they finished seven points clear of Emery’s PSG side.

His performances caught the attention of Emery, who wanted to bring him to the French capital, but a move never materialised.

Fabinho would go on to sign for Liverpool in 2018 and after a slow start to his career at Anfield, the Brazilian is now a key player for Jurgen Klopp.

Struggling to adapt to the Premier League is a problem similarly faced by a current Arsenal player.

Nicolas Pepe has struggled to make an impact since joining the Gunners from Lille in the summer for £72million, and Emery has urged him to use Fabinho as an example.

“We spent money with Pepe, but Pepe needs time to adapt to the Premier League,” Emery said.

“For example, in France I loved a lot Fabinho. He was in Monaco and I wanted to sign him for Paris Saint-Germain.

“When I arrived here, also his name was on the table to achieve to sign him, but he signed for Liverpool.

“The first six months he didn’t play, it was adaptation. But now he is amazing and I want the same with [Dani] Ceballos, with Pepe.

On Monday, Emery blamed Pepe for missing a sitter as the Gunners suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United.

“We need patience, but Pepe is improving,” said the Spanish coach. “On Monday, the key to win was with him. If he scores the first goal, it’s different.

“But it’s one process and I believe in him and I know we need time and patience. The supporters have patience, some more than others.”