After costing Arsenal in excess of £70 million, the winger was always going to have the weight of expectation hanging above him during his career at The Emirates.
But few fans could have predicted just how badly his start to life in North London would go.
After the first half of this season, the Côte d'Ivoire international was beginning to be labelled as one of the most disappointing signings in Premier League history.
However, he's improved significantly in recent weeks and has already shown that he was widely underrated by neutrals and Arsenal fans alike.
His return of ten goals and one assist last season in just 29 appearances was impressive.
And now he seems to be hitting his best form again after excelling at the Africa Cup of Nations.
With some vital fixtures coming up as Mikel Arteta and his team look to qualify for the Champions League,Pepecould still play a crucial role for the Gunners.
But has the winger proven his worth ahead of a dramatic end to the 2021/22 campaign?
Performing on the international stage
Pepe's recent run of good form started at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he was vital in an unpredictable but exciting Côte d'Ivoire side.
He kept Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha out of the starting side, scored some crucial goals and looked to be back to his swashbuckling best with the ball at his feet.
He was his country's top scorer with two goals and converted his spot-kick in the penalty shootout against Egypt.
He's clearly been boosted by being his country's main man on the international stage, and hopefully, this will allow him to push on and maintain a starting spot in the Arsenal side.
Recent club form
Numerous papers are reporting thatPepeis expected to play a significant role in the upcoming game against Watford.
This is because of some brilliant performances off the bench against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Against Brentford, his substitution changed the game and led to Bukayo Saka scoring a 79th-minute winner to secure all three points.
Then, against Wolves, the winger scored a vital equaliser with just eight minutes remaining of the game.
His goal contributions aren't the only positive sign, though, with his all-around play improving significantly since returning from Cameroon.
Conclusion
Pepe may have had a difficult start to life at The Emirates, and he may never live up to that £72 million price tag, but the winger has shown that he adds value to this Arsenal side.
Be it in the starting team or off the bench,Pepedefinitely brings something different to the squad, specifically, that little bit of madness that every team needs.
Like Hakim Ziyech at Chelsea or Anthony Martial at United (prior to his loan to Seville), the forward can produce both the brilliant and the baffling.
While he might frustrate fans and coaches alike,Pepehas proven that he can still decide games.
It is not his fault he commanded such a hefty transfer fee, and now that he is at the club, we might as well enjoy him for what he is, a showman.
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