Nicolas Pepe has admitted the weight of expectation created by his record-breaking transfer fee to Arsenal hindered his performance at the club.
The Ivorian winger, who joined the Gunners for a then club-record £72m in 2019, has revealed the immense pressure he faced to justify the hefty price tag.
Despite contributing goals and assists during his Arsenal tenure, Pepe believes the focus on the transfer fee unfairly overshadowed his performances.
He pointed to other high-profile signings who have faced similar challenges, emphasizing that the pressure is often on the player rather than the club.
Now a free agent after leaving Trabzonspor, Pepe reflects on his time at Arsenal with mixed emotions, acknowledging both the highs and lows of his career in England.