Arsenal wasted £28 million on Unai Emery’s signing of Nicolas Pépé, a player who struggled to make an impact at the club. Signed from Lille in 2019 for a club-record fee of £72 million, Pépé was expected to become one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents. However, his time at Arsenal has been largely underwhelming, and many fans and pundits now consider his transfer to be one of the biggest financial missteps in recent years for the club.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, including memorable performances in the Europa League, Pépé never quite lived up to the expectations that came with his hefty price tag. His inconsistency, combined with a lack of adaptability to the English game, left him struggling to secure a regular starting spot in the team. Pépé’s issues were compounded by injuries and competition from younger, hungrier players who thrived under Mikel Arteta, like Bukayo Saka.
In contrast, Arsenal’s more recent signings, such as Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber, have had an immediate and positive impact on the team. Trossard, who joined from Brighton for around £21 million, has become a key attacking option for Arteta, offering creativity, goals, and tactical flexibility. His seamless integration into the squad and ability to influence games from both wide and central positions have made him an invaluable asset. Jurrien Timber, although injured early in his Arsenal career, arrived for £38.5 million from Ajax with high expectations due to his versatility and technical ability.
When comparing these newer signings to Pépé, it’s clear that Arsenal has learned from its past mistakes in the transfer market. The disparity in contributions from players like Trossard, who cost significantly less than Pépé, shows a shift in Arsenal’s recruitment strategy. Trossard and Timber, despite earning less than Pépé, have proven to be better value for money and are more aligned with Arteta’s long-term vision for the club.
Ultimately, Pépé’s time at Arsenal is a cautionary tale about the importance of scouting and ensuring new signings fit into the manager’s tactical system. As Arsenal continues to grow under Arteta, it’s clear that lessons have been learned, and the club is making smarter investments in talent.