Nicolas Pepe Agrees Move to Trabzonspor After Unsuccessful Stint at Arsenal
Nicolas Pepe’s time at Arsenal has come to an end as he agrees to a move to Turkish club Trabzonspor. The Ivory Coast international has signed a short-term deal that will run until next summer. He is set to travel to Turkey for a medical on Friday, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 from Lille for a staggering fee of £72 million after impressing in Ligue 1. However, he struggled to replicate his form in the Premier League. Over the next three seasons, Pepe made 112 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, scoring 27 goals. But under Mikel Arteta, he fell out of contention and was subsequently loaned out to Nice last season. Despite making 28 appearances and scoring eight goals for the French club, they showed no interest in signing him permanently.
The winger’s contract with Arsenal was set to run until 2024, and there were talks of the club canceling the deal if no new club came in for him. However, the interest from Trabzonspor has saved Arsenal from paying up his contract. It is reported that they will only receive a nominal fee for the player, if anything at all.
Pepe’s time at Arsenal has been largely forgettable. Despite his initial promise and the hefty price tag, he failed to consistently perform at the level expected of him. His lack of impact on the pitch led to his exclusion from Arteta’s plans and ultimately his departure from the club.
Trabzonspor provides Pepe with a fresh start and an opportunity to revive his career. The Turkish club will be hoping that he can rediscover the form that made him a highly sought-after player in Ligue 1. Pepe will need to hit the ground running and prove his worth to his new team and fans.
For Arsenal, Pepe’s departure marks the end of a disappointing chapter. The club had high hopes for the winger when they signed him, but he failed to live up to expectations. His departure opens up opportunities for other players in the squad and gives Arteta the chance to reshape his team.
As for Pepe, he will be hoping that his move to Trabzonspor will provide him with the platform to showcase his true abilities. He will need to work hard, adapt to his new surroundings, and prove that he can be a valuable asset to his new team.
The transfer window has been a busy period for Arsenal, with several players leaving and new signings coming in. The club is undergoing a period of transition, and Arteta will be looking to build a squad that can compete at the highest level. The departure of Pepe is just one part of this process.
Overall, Nicolas Pepe’s move to Trabzonspor brings an end to his largely unsuccessful stint at Arsenal. It is a chance for both the player and the club to move on and focus on their respective futures. Only time will tell if Pepe can rediscover his form and make a name for himself in Turkey.