Ex-Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe shares how ‘tension’ started between him and Mikel Arteta at Emirates
Former Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has opened up about his relationship with Mikel Arteta during the right-winger's four-season tenure at Emirates Stadium. The 29-year-old currently plays for LaLiga club Villarreal.
Nicolas Pepe arrived at the Emirates from LOSC Lille in August 2019 for a then-club-record fee of £72 million when former Gunners manager Unai Emery was in charge.
Along with the massive fee, expectations were high for the Ivory Coast international, who recorded 37 goals and 18 assists in 79 appearances for the Ligue 1 side during his two seasons at the club.
Following Unai Emery's dismal as Arsenal's head coach, Mikel Arteta was appointed in December 2019.
Nicolas Pepe had a good start under Arteta, contributing to the Spaniard's first victory as manager while winning the FA Cup in his first season. The right-winger registered eight goals and 10 assists in 42 matches in his debut season at the Gunners.
However, Nicolas Pepe was unable to live up to the expectations and the price tag at the Gunners. He went out on loan to Ligue 1 club Nice in the 2022–23 season without an option to buy. His contract with the Premier League giants was terminated in 2023 even though he had one year left on his contract.
In an interview with The Athletic, Nicolas Pepe was asked about his experience with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. The Ivory Coast right-winger said (via Metro):
"With Arteta, it wasn't… well, it was good at the start. After that, the confidence wasn’t really there. I got less and less game time, so there was some frustration. I'm not someone who likes being on the bench every week without justification or explanation. So yeah, that's something that created some tension."
Overall, Nicolas Pepe netted 27 goals and provided 21 assists in 112 appearances across competitions for Arsenal. Following his stint with the Gunners, the Ivorian joined Trabzonspor in September 2023.
Arsenal reportedly interested in signing Manchester United transfer target in January
Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, who has been Manchester United's transfer target list for the upcoming January window. The Frenchman joined the Parisians from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported £80 million in 2023.
Caught Offside reports that the Gunners are considering Kolo Muani as a potential loan signing in the winter transfer window, with both Manchester United and Newcastle United interested in the player.
Randal Kolo Muani has not had a great start to the ongoing campaign at Paris Saint-Germain, starting two of his 13 appearances across competitions. The 25-year-old has registered two goals and one assist in 425 minutes of action.
