What really happened between Mikel Arteta and Nicolas Pepe

Arsenal forward, Nicolas Pepe, has expressed optimism about being part of the Gunners’ squad for the upcoming 2023-24 season while shedding light on the reasons behind his temporary exclusion from the team last term.

Nicolas Pepe also refuted claims suggesting a strained relationship with manager Mikel Arteta.

Having joined Arsenal in August 2019 for a club-record fee of £72 million from LOSC Lille Metropole, the Ivorian forward enjoyed a productive spell under Arteta, contributing 23 goals and 16 assists across 93 appearances.

However, the 2021-22 season saw a significant decline in Pepe’s playing time, as he accumulated just 681 minutes in the Premier League, signaling a reduced role within the North London side.

As a result, Pepe was sent on loan to OGC Nice last year, with the French club possessing an option to make the move permanent. However, they have opted not to exercise that option, leading to the player’s return to the Emirates Stadium.

During an interview with YouTube channel Colinterview, Pepe addressed speculations surrounding his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta, vehemently denying any discord.

The African forward clarified, “People say that he [Arteta] identified me as a player that wasn’t up to the level in his team, in his philosophy. It’s completely false.”

Pepe went on to explain that when Arteta arrived at Arsenal, he brought with him the philosophy he had acquired during his time at Manchester City. Recognizing the quality and depth of the squad, Arteta conveyed his belief in Pepe’s abilities and expressed his intentions to integrate him into the team.

The Arsenal forward highlighted that Arteta saw tremendous potential in him and provided guidance to help him maximize his abilities. Pepe affirmed, “He really believed in me. He said I had incredible potential, so we need to extract that potential.”

With a fresh start on the horizon, Pepe remains optimistic about his future at Arsenal and aims to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

As fans eagerly await the commencement of the 2023-24 campaign, Pepe’s comments provide insight into his relationship with Arteta and the belief the manager has in his abilities, setting the stage for an intriguing chapter in the talented forward’s Arsenal career.