Nicolas Pepe: A Legacy Defined by the Weight of Expectation
When Nicolas Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 for a staggering £72 million, he wasn’t just a player arriving in north London; he was a headline. The Ivorian forward became Arsenal’s most expensive signing, a record that instantly cast him as a symbol of both ambition and expectation. As Jack Lang’s revealing piece in The Athletic highlights, Pepe’s journey with Arsenal was one of brilliance, burden, and introspection. Now thriving in La Liga, his story offers insights into the challenges of elite football and the human cost of astronomical transfer fees.
A Tale of Two Calls: How Pepe Chose Arsenal
Pepe’s move to Arsenal wasn’t driven by money or prestige—it was about trust and belief. As he recounts, two phone calls shaped his decision. The first, from Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli, lasted just five minutes. The second, from then-Arsenal manager Unai Emery, extended for a full hour.
Emery, speaking in French, outlined his tactical vision and detailed how Pepe would fit into Arsenal’s plans. This personal touch left a lasting impression.
“That’s why I signed. It wasn’t the club; it was the coach. When someone wants you like that, you go.”
This candid revelation sheds light on how personal connections and clear communication can outweigh even the most lucrative offers. Yet, as history would show, that faith would be tested.
Bursts of Brilliance Amid Struggles
Pepe’s Arsenal tenure wasn’t devoid of highlights. From his pivotal Europa League heroics against Vitoria Guimarães to his contributions in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea, the winger displayed flashes of the flair that made him a star at Lille.
However, the weight of expectation—a byproduct of his record fee—loomed large. As Pepe notes:
“People expected 30, 35, 40 goals a season. But it was only Messi and Ronaldo who did that. Arsenal spent a lot of money on me, and I paid the price for it.”
The scrutiny was relentless, magnified by social media vitriol that took a toll on his confidence and performance. Pepe’s admission that he altered his style of play, opting for safer options to avoid criticism, is both poignant and troubling.
“I didn’t want to make a certain pass or try a dribble because I knew that people would get on my back if I did. So you do the minimum… unconsciously.”
The Arteta Dilemma: A Relationship of Friction
While Pepe initially found success under Emery, Mikel Arteta’s arrival marked a turning point. Though he started promisingly in the Spaniard’s early matches, Pepe’s game time and confidence dwindled over time. He admits:
“With Arteta, it wasn’t… well, it was good at the start. After that, the confidence wasn’t really there.”
This strained relationship highlights a recurring theme in modern football—managing players’ mental states is as crucial as refining their skills. Pepe’s frustration with being benched “without justification or explanation” speaks to the broader challenges of communication between managers and players.
The Number That Haunts
At the core of Pepe’s Arsenal experience lies the shadow of his transfer fee. He candidly reflects on its impact:
“You know you cost €80million and that everyone will be talking about you if things don’t go well. Unconsciously, it plays on your mind.”
Pepe’s comments also hint at the evolving nature of big-money transfers. Today, players signed for similar fees often receive more patience and support from fans and clubs alike. Pepe believes his move to Arsenal was a watershed moment that shaped how subsequent high-priced signings are treated.
“I think my move was shocking to some people… I think if they paid the same amount for me now, I wouldn’t be criticised in the same way.”
A New Dawn in Spain
After enduring a difficult loan spell at Nice and a brief stint at Trabzonspor, Pepe now finds himself flourishing at Villarreal. La Liga’s technical style and Marcelino García Toral’s meticulous coaching have brought out the best in him. As he observes:
“Spanish football is a lot calmer — more technical than England and France. That’s what suits me the best.”
Villarreal’s strong start to the season mirrors Pepe’s personal resurgence. While injuries have briefly stalled his momentum, he remains optimistic about his future, describing this chapter as “a pleasure, mentally, to be back out on the pitch, enjoying myself.”
What Can Arsenal Learn?
Pepe’s story is a cautionary tale for clubs navigating the modern transfer market. The astronomical fees associated with elite players inevitably create immense pressure, but clubs must do more to support their stars, both on and off the pitch. Arsenal’s failure to shield Pepe from excessive scrutiny raises questions about how institutions can better manage the human side of the game.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Nicolas Pepe represents a what-could-have-been tale. The frustration lies not in his raw talent—few doubt his ability—but in how the club failed to unlock his full potential. Pepe’s comments about feeling unsupported during his adaptation period resonate deeply with supporters who have seen this pattern before.
It’s hard not to feel that Arsenal mismanaged both the player and the narrative surrounding his record fee. Why wasn’t Pepe given the freedom to express himself without fear of backlash? Why was his relationship with Arteta allowed to deteriorate? These are questions that linger long after his departure.
Moreover, Pepe’s assertion that players today are shielded better than he was is a bitter pill to swallow. As Arsenal competes on multiple fronts, lessons from Pepe’s tenure must be heeded. The club cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of undervaluing a player’s mental well-being in the relentless pursuit of instant results.
For many fans, Pepe’s resurgence in Spain is bittersweet. While they are glad to see him thriving, there’s an undeniable sense of regret. Arsenal spent £72 million, but did they ever truly invest in Nicolas Pepe?
