ARSENAL flop Nicolas Pepe has had a big role in the Gunners’ Premier League title charge.
The winger is Arsenal’s most expensive signing but he failed to make the desired impact at The Emirates.
Nicolas Pepe helped to persuade Gabriel to join ArsenalGetty
The defender has played a big role in Arsenal’s title challengeEPA
A loan move to Nice followed last summer but Pepe has still played a role in Arsenal topping the Prem.
That’s because he influenced Gabriel Magalhaes to sign for the Gunners in the summer of 2020.
Pepe played alongside Gabriel at Lille before his switch to The Emirates.
The defender had multiple offers at the time and reportedly came close to joining Everton before the pandemic disrupted the transfer window.
Gabriel explained last year in quotes carried by Le Petit Lillois: “In the winter [of 2020], before the championship ended, I was already supposed to sign for Everton.
“I passed my medical examination etc, but it was not done. I had already planned to leave after this season.
“I spoke with Napoli, Everton again, then I finally chose Arsenal thanks to Nicolas Pepe who sold me the club well.”
Gabriel has been a key player for the Gunners this season with 25 Prem appearances.
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He has been part of a defence which has kept 11 clean sheets and conceded only 23 goals in that time.
The Brazilian has even scored two goals – winners against Fulham and Chelsea.