Arsenal’s reject Nicolas Pepe joins Villarreal on two-year deal

Villarreal have officially announced the signing of Arsenal’s reject Nicolas Pepe on a two-year contract, until June 30, 2026.

The French-Ivorian will help bolster Villarreal’s attacking options, primarily playing on the right side.

According to Villarreal’s official statement on their website, Pepe will join his new teammates for the first time at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground on Monday.

Born May 29, 1995, in France, Pepe began his professional career at Stade Poitevin before moving to Angers SCO in 2013.

After a loan spell at US Orléans, he returned to Angers and subsequently joined LOSC Lille, where his standout performances earned him a big-money move to Arsenal.

During his three seasons with the Gunners, Pepe struggled to consistently replicate his Lille form and was loaned to OGC Nice for the 2022/23 season.

Last season, he played for Trabzonspor as a free agent in Turkey, after parting ways with Arsenal.

He has so far played 323 matches in his career, scoring 92 goals, and provided 47 assists.