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Nicolas Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 for a record £72 million ($92m) transfer fee. The EPL heavyweights signed the right-winger from Lille in the hope of bagging a generational talent. However, neither then-head coach Unai Emery nor Mikel Arteta could channel Pepe's raw talent.
In 2023, the 29-year-old left Arsenal with 27 goals and 21 assists in 112 appearances for the Gunners. He went on to join Trabzonspor in Turkey, scoring six goals in 23 appearances during his one-year stay. Now, after a string of underwhelming stints and nearing his thirties, Pepe is eager to return to his blistering form at his new club - Villarreal.
He put up an Instagram post, announcing his move to La Liga. Here's the post:
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Despite his struggles in England, the winger remains popular with his teammates and Pepe received an outpouring of good wishes from supporters and former teammates alike, including William Saliba.
Saliba, who briefly played with Pepe at Arsenal, expressed his support with a comment on the announcement post, writing,
“Let’s go.”
How are Arsenal progressing in the 2024 summer transfer window?
Unlike the yesteryears, the London club have been moving smartly in the summer transfer window. The foremost priority for Mikel Arteta was to make David Raya's loan move from Brentford last season permanent, and they closed the deal at £27million.
Meanwhile, the Gunners also strengthened their squad with the addition of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The 22-year-old defender, acquired for an initial fee of £33.7 million, potentially rising to £42 million, is capable of playing both as a center-back and left-back.
Arteta is also eyeing a potential move for Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, however, the deal is yet to reach the confirmation stages. Meanwhile, a new striker is also likely to make their way into Emirates Stadium.
Among the departures, the standout has been Emil Smith Rowe, who sealed a move to Fulham for a fee that could reach £34m with add-ons.
