Nicolas Pepe’s position at Arsenal will be threatened by Willian’s imminent arrival on a free transfer. This is the opinion of former Arsenal striker Alan Smith.
Pepe joined Arsenal from Lille for a record £ 72m last summer and high expectations have been placed on the Ivorian’s shoulders.
After a promising start, Pepe’s form subsided and he found himself on and off the team.
His adaptation to English football was not helped by the sacking of Unai Emery and the appointment of Mikel Arteta in the winter.
But under Arteta, Pepe showed glimpses of coming to terms with life at Arsenal and ended the season with eight goals and 10 assists.
Much more is expected of Pepe next season, but now he faces additional competition from William coming to the Emirates.
The Brazilian forward plays in the same position as Pepe and brings to the club a wealth of experience and proven quality.
And Smith believes Willian’s signing means Pepe will be forced to raise the bar.
“It’s time to take the project forward by adding quality in some locations, which isn’t easy at all when money is tight,” Smith told Sky Sports.
“Willian’s transfer from Chelsea on a free transfer seems like the first step, which surprised me at first given the Brazilian’s age.
“Just turned 32 with many miles on the clock, Stamford Bridge has certainly seen its best days.
“So this was just a comfortable move because he has the right agent? Something that was imposed on Arteta by Raul Sanllehi, the head of football?
Or does Arteta see something in Willian that can improve the team right away?
“One thing is certain, as a right-wing forward, his arrival poses immediate questions to Nicolas Pepe, signed at exorbitant cost this time last year.
“The Ivory Coast exterior has suffered from heat and cold so far, which is not a great quality in Arteta’s book.” Undoubtedly talented, Pepe has to get by if he is to survive because, at least in the short term, Willian can deliver great know-how and quality on that right side. “
