Nicolas Pepe discusses poor communication with Mikel Arteta

Nicolas Pepe has opened up on his difficult spell at Arsenal, admitting he still feels a sense of regret over the “tough” lack of communication with Mikel Arteta during his final seasons in North London.

The Ivorian winger, who joined the Gunners for £72 million and became Africa’s most expensive player at the time, struggled to fully justify his price tag as his role in the team diminished.

“Arteta is a coach who asks for certain things,” Pepe explained. “Sometimes it was a bit tough for me, where from time to time we didn’t have this communication. And that’s what I regret the most: not having enough communication with him.”

Now 30 and enjoying a resurgence at Villarreal under Marcelino, Pepe says a more “relaxed” style of football and a manager who is “totally transparent” have helped him rebuild his confidence. He has become a key figure in a side pushing for Champions League qualification, with Villarreal currently sitting third in La Liga.

Pepe has produced 5 goals and 4 assists in 29 league appearances this season, while backing his former club Arsenal to edge Manchester City in the Premier League title race.