Arsenal Terminate Nicolas Pepe’s Contract, Now He’s Playing Turkish Trabzonspor

In 2019, Arsenal made a club record £72 million signing in winger Nicolas Pepe from Lille. It was expected that the Ivorian would provide an injection of attacking flair and productivity on the flanks for the Gunners. However, over three years later, Pepe’s spell at the Emirates has proven largely underwhelming and unsuccessful, prompting Arsenal to mutually terminate the final year of his contract. This allows the 28-year-old to pursue a fresh start at Turkish club Trabzonspor on a free transfer.

Arsenal’s decision to part ways with Pepe ends a disappointing chapter for their record signing, who was unable to consistently showcase his abilities and justify his hefty transfer fee during his time in north London.

Across all competitions, Pepe scored just 27 goals and provided 21 assists in 112 appearances for the Gunners. For a player meant to be a prime attacking threat, this was a mediocre return that highlighted Pepe’s struggles to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League.

There were occasional flashes of brilliance, including Pepe’s assist for the winning goal in Arsenal’s 2020 FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea. But these moments were too few and far between. Pepe quickly fell down the pecking order once Mikel Arteta took charge, as younger options like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were favored on the flanks.

After being shipped out on loan to Ligue 1 side Nice last season, where he managed just 8 goals in 28 outings, it became apparent that Pepe’s future did not lie at Arsenal. With the club eager to move on from their expensive misstep and Pepe in need of a fresh start, terminating his contract was the most sensible outcome for both parties.

For Arsenal, cutting ties now allows them to free up squad space and funds to pursue attacking options better suited to Arteta’s philosophy and plans. The Gunners will receive no fee for Pepe after taking a substantial loss on their record signing, but removing his wages from the books is a prudent long-term decision.

As for Pepe himself, he hopes to rediscover his best form in Turkey. At his peak, the fleet-footed winger is capable of terrorizing defenses with his dribbling and clinical finishing. Trabzonspor will expect Pepe to be an impact player in their push for domestic success.

While Pepe ultimately could not fulfill the lofty expectations that came with his club-record move, both he and Arsenal will view this amicable parting of ways as an opportunity to start fresh. Pepe departs the Premier League having earned an FA Cup winner’s medal, even if he was never fully convinced in an Arsenal shirt. After a frustrating spell, he’ll now aim to spark an exciting new chapter in Turkey.