Lopez explains talented Pepe's transfer to Arsenal

Nicolas Pepe joined Arsenal from Lille last summer after the Ivorian’s management team asked them to talk with the Gunners regarding his future.

Arsenal managed to complete some impressive deals last summer. Only David Luiz’s addition has stood out like a sore thumb but he has proved himself during the course of the season.

However, it was Nicolas Pepe’s £72 million acquisition that has caused contention at the Emirates Stadium. The Ivorian had a below-par season, scoring 8 goals in 42 competitive appearances.

An internal investigation has seen Raul Sanllehi part company with the Londoners. Consequently, Pepe has come under staunch criticism, especially with respect to the money involved in his transfer.

Lille owner, Gerard Lopez, has come to the support of his former employee. Lopez hailed the Ivorian’s and shared that Arsenal actually secured him on the cheap.

In his first season at Arsenal Nicolas Pepe had 18 goal contributions. In his first season at Lille, Pepe had 18 goal contributions. In his second season at Lille Pepe had 35 goal contributions.

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“Arsenal did one hell of a deal,” Lopez told talkSPORT. “They got a player that other people wanted and they got a player who one club were offering more money for.

“It was Pepe’s management team that asked us to go to Arsenal and so we accepted slightly less money than we would have got somewhere else.

“Some people know that, I know publicly some agents have said that but something that needs to go on record – we didn’t sell him to the highest bidder.”

“The second thing that is important is that talent is always there and you can’t take it away from people,” Loped added.

“He’s a young player and a player that functions on people believing in him. Giving him opportunities but also responsibilities.