Nicolas Pepe finds peace at Villarreal after Arsenal struggles

Nicolas Pépé has rediscovered both his form and sense of belonging at Villarreal CF, bringing closure to a turbulent chapter that once defined his career in England and repositioning himself as a key figure in LaLiga.

Once the most expensive African footballer following his £72 million move to Arsenal in 2019, expectations around Pépé were immense. Signed after a sensational season with LOSC Lille, where he registered 22 goals and 11 assists, he arrived in the Premier League as a marquee attacking solution. Yet his time in North London became a complex mix of promise, inconsistency and tactical misalignment.

Now 30, the Ivorian winger speaks with clarity rather than resentment. His journey through loans, diminishing opportunities and eventual departure has culminated in a setting where he feels valued and understood. At Villarreal, that sense of stability is translating into performances.

Communication breakdown at Arsenal

Pépé’s reflections on his time under Mikel Arteta point to a key issue that shaped his struggles.

“First, it’s different. These two managers are really different,” he told Flashscore.

“We’ll start with Arteta, who is a coach who asks for certain things. 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.”

Across 112 appearances, Pépé scored 27 goals, a modest return relative to his price tag. As Arteta’s system evolved, his role diminished, eventually leading to a loan spell at Nice and a permanent exit that took him to Trabzonspor before his move to Spain.

A new voice under Marcelino

At Villarreal, Pépé has found a contrasting managerial approach under Marcelino García Toral, one he credits for restoring his confidence.

“Then with coach Marcelino, it’s the opposite, where I think we talk about everything, about nothing, football, not football, whatever,” he said.

“I always say that I prefer a coach who is totally transparent with me, whether it’s the right or the wrong side. It allows me to move forward and progress.”

This open dialogue has allowed Pépé to play with freedom again, contributing five goals and four assists in 29 league appearances during the 2025/26 campaign as Villarreal push for a top-three finish.

Premier League vs LaLiga

Having experienced two of Europe’s elite competitions, Pépé offers a measured comparison between the Premier League and LaLiga.

“It’s totally different in terms of intensity of play. (In) the Premier League, we were very much focused on the intensity whereas in Spain we are more relaxed. The idea of playing is to play the ball,” he explained.

He also highlighted the unmatched atmosphere in England, noting the depth of fan culture across divisions, while acknowledging Spain’s own distinct identity.

Watching Arsenal from afar

Despite his difficult spell, Pépé continues to follow Arsenal closely, particularly in their ongoing title challenge against Manchester City.

“Honestly I think it will be about details,” he said. “I think Arsenal will end up champions, but really, it’s a pity losing to City.”

His insight reflects both familiarity and distance, recognising the fine margins that define elite competition.

Champions League ambition with Villarreal

Villarreal’s current position in LaLiga has placed them firmly in contention for a return to the UEFA Champions League, a target Pépé considers essential.

“It’s important for Villarreal to qualify for the Champions League again because before that, before last year, before this year, we were really keen to qualify,” he said.

Reflecting on their recent European campaign, where they faced Manchester City, Tottenham and Juventus, he believes the experience will prove invaluable.

“I don’t think we can do worse than we did this year… we gained a bit more experience.”

National pride and unfinished business

Beyond club football, representing Ivory Coast national team remains a driving force. Despite missing out on recent selections under Emerse Faé, Pépé insists his commitment has not wavered.

“When the country calls you, you answer in the present… Because it’s the homeland and we do everything for the country.”

Inspired growing up by Yaya Touré, Pépé still harbours ambitions of returning to the international stage, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

For a player once defined by expectation and scrutiny, his resurgence at Villarreal tells a different story, one of resilience, adaptation and, finally, contentment.