Former Gunner Nicolas Pepe has joined Villarreal on a two-year deal, moving as a free agent after a year-long spell with Trabzonspor.

Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has signed for Villarreal, with the La Liga side confirming his arrival on Sunday.

Villarreal write that Pepe has signed a two-year deal with the club, joining on a contract lasting until June 30th, 2026. The winger held a medical over the weekend, and he’s already linked up with his new teammates for a first training session.

29-year-old Pepe was available to sign as a free agent, having come to the end of his contract with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor.

Pepe signed a one-year deal with Trabzonspor following his departure from Arsenal in 2023, and he opted not to extend that stay this summer.

Amid interest from Saudi Arabia, Pepe opted to remain in Europe, eventually securing this move to Villarreal.

Pepe recently told the media he feels he would have been given more of a chance at Arsenal if he’d cost less money, saying: “If Arsenal bought me for 20 million, maybe it’d be different.

“Maybe they’d have spend more time on me, built up my confidence and prepared me for playing in the Premier League. But the price tag obliged them to use me, whether I was ready or not. That’s what I find annoying.”

Having joined Villarreal for free, he shouldn’t have the same problem this time around.