Nicolas Pepe has a new club! Former £72m Arsenal flop makes move to Spain on free transfer
Nicolas Pepe has completed a move to Villarreal as a new chapter begins for the former Arsenal winger.
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Article continues below
Pepe heads to Spain following one year at Trabzonspor
Move made 12 months after exiting Arsenal
29-year-old signs two-year deal
WHAT HAPPENED?
Pepe has scored himself a deal with Spanish side Villarreal, signing a two-year contract and signing as a free agent following a short year in Turkey with Trabzonspor. The 29-year-old scored five goals in 19 appearances in Turkey and will be hoping to push on after a disastrous spell at Arsenal.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Bagging a move back into one of Europe's top five leagues, Pepe has an opportunity to prove himself once again at a high level. His £72 million ($92m) move to Arsenal may not have worked out for either party, but he is clearly still a talented player with a lot left to give.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite being regarded as a failure during his time at Arsenal, Pepe still clocked 112 appearances for the Gunners and recorded 48 goal contributions. He has also scored 10 goals in 46 appearances for the Ivory Coast.
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WHAT NEXT FOR PEPE?
Following his official unveiling, Pepe will get straight to work with Villarreal. The La Liga outfit still have to play Borussia Dortmund and Brighton before they kick off their domestic campaign against Atletico Madrid on 19 August.