Pepe opens up on Arsenal struggles, life after Arteta, and why he still believes the Gunners can win it all.

Once signed by Arsenal in the summer of 2019 for £72 million after a dazzling season at Lille, Pepe arrived in England surrounded by huge expectations. He had just delivered 22 goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1, finishing second only to Kylian Mbappe in the scoring charts, and many believed he would transform Arsenal's attack. 

Instead, his time in North London became one of the more complicated and uncomfortable stories of recent Premier League years. 

Across 112 appearances in three seasons, Pepe scored 27 goals, a respectable return in isolation , but one that never came close to justifying the size of the fee or the level of anticipation around him. Over time, and especially under Mikel Arteta, he drifted further from the center of the project until he was almost invisible. A loan spell at Nice followed, then a free transfer to Trabzonspor, and eventually a fresh start with Villarreal in the summer of 2024. 

Now 30, Pepe sounds reflective rather than bitter. Speaking to Flashscore in an exclusive interview, the Ivory Coast winger opened up about the frustrations of his Arsenal experience and pointed most clearly to one thing he feels was missing under Arteta : communication. 

"First of all, it was different. These two coaches are really very different," Pepe said, comparing Arteta with current Villarreal boss Marcelino. "We will start with Arteta, a coach who had certain demands. Sometimes things were a bit difficult for me when we did not have effective communication. And that is what I regret most : that there was not enough communication with him." 

By contrast, Pepe says life under Marcelino has helped him rediscover a sense of ease and clarity. 

"With coach Marcelino, it is the opposite. I think we talk about enough things - nothing at all, football, non-football, everything," he said. "I always say I like a coach who is completely transparent with me, whether it is right or wrong. That allows me to move forward and develop."

That contrast seems to explain a lot about why Pepe looks more settled now. At Villarreal, he has quietly rebuilt his career. In La Liga this season, he has made 29 appearances, scoring five goals and providing four assists while the club sits third and pushes for a return to the Champions League. 

Pepe believes that matters not just for the club's ambition, but for correcting the disappointment of last season's early European exit. 

"It is very important for Villarreal to qualify for the Champions League again because before last year, before this year, we really wanted to qualify," he said. "Unfortunately, this year we did not have a long run in the Champions League." 

"We really want to qualify for the fans and give them what they deserve. Right now, we are third. The best thing is to stay third until the end of the season." 

He also feels the experience of facing elite opposition in Europe, including Manchester City, Tottenham , and Juventus, will help Villarreal if they return to the competition. 

"I do not think we can do worse than we did this year. With what we have shown this year, I think we can only do better." 

Away from club football, Pepe also spoke about Arsenal's title race and made clear he still watches closely. Despite their recent defeat to Manchester City, he still believes the Gunners can go all the way, though he knows how fine the margins are. 

"Honestly, I think it will depend on the small details," he said. "They still have the Champions League, so they need to manage that well. City does not have anything else now - I think only the Premier League, so they will focus on that." 

"But it will really come down to the details because I think the difference is only one goal. I think Arsenal will win it, but really, it is a shame they lost to City." 

There was also a more personal note when Pepe was asked about the players who inspired him growing up. His answer came instantly. 

"Yaya Toure. When I was young, Yaya Toure at Barcelona was one of the players I loved watching every time I turned on the TV." 

And when it comes to Ivory Coast, his commitment remains absolute. Left out of the squad for the last Africa Cup of Nations despite solid form at Villarreal, Pepe insists he would answer immediately if called again, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. 

"When the country needs you, you must respond immediately. So if they call me, I will give everything until death, as they say. Because this is the homeland and we do everything for the country." 

For a player once defined by price tags, pressure , and unmet expectations, that line says a lot. Pepe may no longer be Arsenal's great unfinished story. At Villarreal, and perhaps still for Ivory Coast, he is writing something calmer and more complete.