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Record signing to free transfer: Why Pepe failed at Arsenal

After completing his £72 million move to Arsenal in 2019, Nicolas Pépé reflected on how he had “struggled a lot” and a big Premier League move was his reward.

As it turned out, his struggles had only just begun. On Saturday, the 28-year-old completed a journey from club-record signing to free transfer in a four-year downward spiral that reflects badly on everyone involved.

The days of Arsenal paying players to leave the club were supposed to be over. But such was the lack of interest in a winger who has badly lost his way, the Gunners ripped up the final year of his contract and allowed him to join Trabzonspor for no fee.

Pepe is the ninth player to leave in this fashion since Mikel Arteta took over as manager in 2019, and Arsenal will hope the Ivory Coast international is the last.

It is tempting with the benefit of hindsight to suggest Pepe’s career at Arsenal was doomed from the start. The inflated fee created its own burden. There was general surprise among agents working in the market that summer that Arsenal paid as much as they did, even if Pepe registered 22 goals and 11 assists in a prolific 2018-19 campaign for Lille.

Lille owner Gerard Lopez has subsequently claimed another unnamed club offered even more money than Arsenal as a total package including wages — Napoli were serious contenders at one stage — but the final figure was greeted with widespread scepticism — that began outside the club, but later spread through the confines of the Gunners’ London Colney base.

ESPN reported in August 2020 that the deal was scrutinised internally as part of a review of the club’s decision-making processes, which led to cost-cutting measures. Although the club denied any formal investigation, head of football Raul Sanllehi left later that month with no official explanation given.

Sanllehi had been a key figure in negotiating several deals, including the pursuit of Pepe — who was not the first choice of then-manager Unai Emery — to strengthen their attacking options. Emery admitted in January 2021 that he in fact wanted to sign Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha instead. Ironically, both players are now in Turkey with Zaha joining Galatasaray earlier this summer.

Nicolas Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 and struggled to make the impact expected of his then-record transfer fee before leaving as a free agent last month. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Emery stated his preference was predicated upon the idea Zaha would need less time to adapt to English football; Pepe certainly struggled in that regard, a process not helped by a change in the dugout. Arsenal sacked Emery in November 2019 and appointed Arteta a month later, triggering a radical overhaul of the playing style and the squad itself.

Even amid the transition, Pepe had his moments. There was his brilliant goal in Arsenal’s June 2020 defeat to Brighton and an assist for the winning goal in August’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea. In fact, he had a superb goal ruled out in that final by a tight VAR offside call — perhaps a sliding doors moment in a career that never quite took off.

Pepe was all about moments: a fine free kick, a smart piece of skill, a flurry of goals in the Europa League. But he lacked the consistency Arteta craved.

Some questioned his commitment, too. Sources have told ESPN that Pepe spent a lot of time with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, forming a clique that Arteta increasingly believed was stifling the squad’s progress. Aubameyang was later stripped of the captaincy after repeated bouts of ill-discipline and jettisoned to Barcelona while Lacazette faded in influence and left on a free transfer to rejoin Lyon last year.

Sources suggested Pepe gained a reputation for rarely being one of the first on the training pitch, often hanging back with Lacazette and Aubameyang as the squad made their way out from the changing room. He was also said to often neglect acknowledging staff around the training ground who weren’t closely connected to first-team operations.

By his own admission, Pepe had problems with authority growing up. On his first day at his first professional club, Angers, the manager told him to shave off his showy blond-dyed mohawk. He defied the instruction, only belatedly doing so when marginalised in preseason training. Pepe also once shouted back at his coach during an under-19s game. He was immediately substituted and forced to apologise to his teammates.

Many young players go through such learning experiences and, in his defence, there were certainly signs at Arsenal that Pepe had grown up. He was not an aggressively corrosive figure, or the “mole” Arteta sought to identify after news of a training ground bustup involving Dani Ceballos and David Luiz was leaked to the media in January 2021.

In fact, when Pepe’s partner gave birth to a baby boy in February last year — a seismic moment in anybody’s life — he told Arteta that despite missing training as a result, he still wanted to be considered for selection in their next Premier League game against Wolves because the squad was short of attacking options. Pepe came off the bench to score one and make another as Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1.

“I see a different Nico,” Arteta said after that match, referencing “his energy, his happiness, his all-round play, how he’s training” as evidence Pepe could soon turn a corner. But it proved another false dawn. Arsenal evolved under Arteta, and Pepe’s stock diminished further, the flickers of quality receding into darkness.

To his credit, Pepe agreed to take a 25% pay cut to join Nice on loan last season, ensuring the move happened rather than taking an easy option of remaining on a higher salary without any responsibility of playing. He left Arsenal for good with a record of 27 goals in 112 games, agreeing a compromise on the final year of his contract to join Trabzonspor.

Ultimately, Arsenal simply did not know what version of Pepe they would get, and Arteta is a manager who craves clarity in that regard. Defensively, Pepe did not work hard enough, but regardless it did not help his cause that at the same time, Bukayo Saka rapidly developed into one of the most consistent and dangerous right-wing players in Europe, adored by Arsenal fans.

The Gunners have since overhauled their transfer approach with significant success as the acquisitions of Martin Odegaard, Ben White and Gabriel Jesus. among others, indicate.

Meanwhile, Pepe seeks to rebuild his career in Turkey, and the struggle continues to be real.

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Garnacho’s Partner Unfollows Him Amid Split Rumors

Alejandro Garnacho’s girlfriend , the mother of his child, has unfollowed him on Instagram amid fresh rumours of a split.

The Manchester United exile has recently been spotted with Spanish influencer Ona Gonfaus, the women who was allegedly at the centre of a dispute between the couple last year.

Garnacho’s partner Eva Garcia unfollowed him on that occasion before they publicly reconciled when pictures of their romantic family holiday together in Tenerife surfaced.

However, 12 months on, it appears their relationship is again on the rocks, with GSM HQ alleging that Garnacho and Gonfaus shared a caravan together during a recent trip.

The outlet also revealed that Garcia – mother to Garnacho’s one-year-old son Enzo – has signalled a rift in their union.

The news comes as the 20-year-old faces an uncertain future at his club, with United boss Ruben Amorim keen to see the forward depart after a rift at the end of last season.

Alejandro Garnacho’s girlfriend , the mother of his child, has unfollowed him on Instagram amid fresh rumours of infidelity.

The Argentina international has been linked with Serie A champions Napoli, who had a £40million bid rejected for him in January. United are thought to be holding out for more than £50m.

This week, Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis announced his side’s renewed interest and took as swipe at the Old Trafford club’s youth development.

‘Garnacho’s got pace, flair and potential,’ Di Laurentiis said. ‘But that’s not even why we want him.

‘We want him because he’s at United. Get him out and he becomes twice the player. There’s a fault at United that I can’t explain.’

A move to Napoli could be a tantalising prospect for Garnacho, not least because they can offer him Champions League football.

It would also offer the chance to reunite with former United team-mate Scott McTominay, who has been loving life out in Italy, becoming a fan-favourite and title winner.

Garnacho’s time is all but up at Old Trafford after a cataclysmic fall-out with Amorim, which resulted in the manager telling him ‘you better pray that you can find a club to sign you,’ as exclusively revealed by Mail Sport.

In June, the winger sparked anger after opting to wear an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford’s name on it while on holiday in Ibiza.

Garnacho was told to leave United just days after their Europa League final defeat by Tottenham in Bilbao.

The Argentinian winger had been unhappy to be left on the bench for more than 70 minutes of the final, while his brother Roberto had accused Amorim of ‘throwing him under the bus’ in Bilbao.

Dailymail.co.uk

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#NoToMadueke: Why Arsenal Fans Are Protesting

The news Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea for just over £50m has prompted a backlash from some Gunners fans.

A petition has been set up and signed more than 4,000 times, #NoToMadueke has gained traction on X, and murals outside the club’s Emirates Stadium have been vandalised with ‘Arteta out’.

At 23, Madueke is already an England international, so why are some so against his signing?

What are the fans saying?
Arsenal have signed six players from Chelsea in recent years – and Madueke will be the second this transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Some fans believe the club should be chasing what they perceive to be ‘bigger’ names.

The Gunners have, for example, been linked with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze.

Responding to a post on our Arsenal page, Gunners fan Steve said: “It’s underwhelming, really. A lot of money for a back-up player. He won’t be a first-team choice over [Bukayo] Saka on the right and [Gabriel] Martinelli on the left.

“They should have got a cheaper back-up player and used the excess money to seal the [Viktor] Gyokeres deal.

“I think the other thing about this is that some Arsenal fans were hoping to get Rodrygo. This is now not happening as Arsenal don’t have the money to spend.

“Is Madueke that sort of player that will win you the Prem? No, Rodrygo is, which is why there is disappointment in the ranks at Arsenal.”

Andrew – a season ticket holder – said there was a difference between match-going fans and those on social media.

“The key word is ‘online’,” Andrew said. “These people signing petitions aren’t Arsenal fans. They live in some parallel fantasy universe on social media where football is viewed like a video game.

“I’m a season ticket holder, and people who go to games believe in Arteta and trust his judgement because he’s usually right.

“Madueke might not be an exciting signing now, but he could prove to be a very good one.

“[Nico] Williams was never coming, Rodrygo is a waste of money, [Anthony] Gordon is overrated and I don’t think this affects Eze. We’ll see how it all works out.”

Will, meanwhile, thinks a lot of the frustration is around the money Arsenal are going to be paying to Chelsea.

“I reckon over half the fans don’t think Madueke is a bad player. It’s just the nature of the deal – £50m for a player who is going to sit on the bench behind Saka or look out of place on the left wing seems like poor business – particularly when this feels like a make-or-break season for major silverware.

“It’s also that the money is going to Chelsea.”

Where could Madueke play?
Madueke is part of Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad, and came on as a substitute as they reached the final by beating Brazilian side Fluminense 2-0.

He joined the Blues from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £30m and has scored 20 goals in 92 appearances.

Madueke was in the Tottenham academy before moving to the Netherlands in 2018.

He plays predominantly on the right, with 88% of his Premier League minutes having come on a side of the pitch that is dominated by Saka at Arsenal.

Saka, 23, started 108 of 114 league matches from 2021-22 to 2023-24 but missed three months of last season because of a hamstring inury.

Madueke would be a capable option as back-up to Saka but can also play on the left.

He was one of England’s standout performers in the recent international break and his assist from the left for Harry Kane’s winning goal against Andorra was one of three in his first seven matches.

Madueke also started four of the Blues’ final five Premier League matches of the season on that side – plus the Conference League final – and he could be direct competition for Martinelli there.

Why he can be a success at Arsenal
Madueke is seen by Arsenal as a good fit, as someone who has played consistent trophy-winning first-team football over the past two seasons.

He has settled well on the international stage and, at 23, there is a feeling he will continue to develop and also increase his value.

There is, obviously, an awareness that Arsenal have signed players from Chelsea in the past but there are success stories within those deals.

Forward Kai Havertz has become vital to the Gunners, midfielder Jorginho was one of Arteta’s most trusted leaders within the squad, and Kepa has joined after an impressive season at Bournemouth.

Sources around Arsenal say the initial fee for Madueke is under £50m – less than Newcastle’s move for Anthony Elanga and Tottenham signing Mohammed Kudus.

How does Madueke compare to Arsenal’s wingers?
When looking at the stats, you can see why Arteta might be excited about the prospect of signing Madueke.

His expected goals (9.6), his number of shots (80), touches in the opposition box (199) and progressive carries with the ball (242) were all higher than Martinelli and Saka in the Premier League last season.

Saka only played in 25 league matches compared to Madueke’s 32, so it is a fairer comparison with Martinelli, who played 33 times.

Madueke also contributed a combined 10 goals and assists to Chelsea last season and could boost Arsenal’s much-criticised attack.

Injuries plagued Arteta’s side last season and they ended the season with limited options in attack as they fell away in the title race.

Madueke is one of the most direct wingers in the league and Arsenal, who mainly play against teams who defend deep against them, could benefit from his eagerness to beat his defender and get a shot at goal.

Bbc.com

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Bernabeu To Host 2030 World Cup Final

According to Jose Felix Diaz’s report in MARCA, the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid is expected to host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, following an agreement reached between FIFA and Real Madrid.

While the decision has not yet been made official, sources close to the situation have confirmed that the deal is in place.

The 2030 World Cup will be a historic one, as it will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. Within Spain, cities like A Coruna, Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas, Madrid, Málaga, San Sebastian, Sevilla, and Zaragoza are set to host matches.

But when it comes to the grand finale, the Santiago Bernabeu has emerged as the frontrunner.

FIFA’s strong working relationship with Real Madrid has been a key factor in this decision. Over the years, both entities have shared a smooth and cooperative partnership, and this latest development is another sign of their growing alignment.

Camp Nou bid weakened

Santiago Bernabeu is expected to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Barcelona had also put forward their own bid to host the final at the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou.

Club vice-president Elena Fort had officially stated last month that Barcelona’s home stadium deserves the honour of staging the World Cup final, saying,

“Everyone has the right to play their cards, but the Camp Nou is worthy of hosting the final of a World Cup.”

However, the project to complete the new Camp Nou has faced multiple delays and uncertainties, which appear to have weakened the city’s bid.

Though the World Cup is still five years away, FIFA is said to be prioritising infrastructure stability and readiness, areas where Madrid currently holds the upper hand.

With Real Madrid’s renovated Bernabeu already hosting high-profile matches and events successfully, and with its central location and modern facilities, it now looks set to welcome the biggest match in world football come 2030.

Madriduniversal.com

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