The Arsenal Experience: A Double-Edged Sword
Nicolas Pepe, the Ivory Coast international, has candidly opened up about his challenging journey with Arsenal. Signed for a then club-record fee of £72 million from Lille in 2019, Pepe’s high price tag quickly became a burden rather than a testament to his talent. Now 29, he looks back on his time at the North London club with a mix of pride and regret.
Pepe recalls the immense pressure that came with his hefty transfer fee. “It wasn’t easy at all. And the fans weren’t happy with how I was performing,” he told BBC Sport. “When I first joined, the fans weren’t really judging my performances, they were judging the price tag. But I think I did some great things while at Arsenal. I don’t regret my time there.”
The Struggles and the Highlights
Pepe’s tenure at Arsenal was marked by moments of brilliance but also periods of inconsistency. After a stellar season with Lille, where he scored 23 goals and provided 12 assists, expectations were sky-high. However, he never quite replicated that form in the Premier League. Despite this, Pepe managed to score 24 goals and provide 15 assists in 91 matches over his first two seasons, which he believes is often overshadowed by his transfer fee.
“If Arsenal bought me for £20m, maybe it’d be different,” he mused. “It’s not the player’s fault. They don’t ask for £100m or £90m. But that’s how it is in the football world and it’s something that people can’t understand.”
Pepe compares his situation to other high-profile transfers like Mykhailo Mudryk and Antony, who also faced scrutiny. “There are also players like Mudryk and Antony who don’t perform at their best all the time, and yet they’re not bad players.”
Exit and Reflections
After a season-long loan at Nice and a brief stint at Trabzonspor, Pepe is now without a club. Despite the ups and downs, he appreciates how Arsenal handled his departure. “They helped me when leaving, which wasn’t easy because I was injured… they helped me find a club quickly,” he explained. “I have always had a great relationship with [manager] Arteta. It’s just that he didn’t have full confidence in me, which is a shame.”
Pepe remains grateful and respectful towards Mikel Arteta, acknowledging that his exclusion from the team was not personal. “He put together a winning team, and sadly, I wasn’t in that player turnover. But he’s someone I respect, and I know he respects me too. And I wish him all the best.”
Looking Forward: A New Chapter
Pepe now feels mentally stronger and more resilient after his experiences at Arsenal. “With the pressure I went through at Arsenal, I’m in a pretty good headspace now,” he said. “It’s something I no longer pay attention to because when you get a lot of criticism, you develop thick skin. So, now I’m prepared for any eventuality.”
As he looks to the future, Pepe is focused on regaining his physical form. “It’s been two years since I’ve done pre-season. And I feel great when I start pre-season. I’m physically in good form, I need it to get back to being the fast player I used to be.”
Pepe remains hopeful and open to opportunities, including a potential return to English football. “Yes, of course, I’m the same player. I’m just getting older, which is normal, but I’m still the same player. I can definitely replicate my past performances. I just need to play based on my physical condition, the confidence of the club and love from the fans.”
He adds, “We listen to all offers, and then it’s my representatives who’ll let me know a club’s real intentions, and if it’s not a serious offer, I don’t hear about it. Let’s see what happens. But I’m not ruling out a return to England.”
Further Reading
