Mesut Özil's case has been settled. But for Oliver and his agent team, this is a crucial window of opportunity.
His PR manager, Edwardo, knew this well. Edwardo, an experienced crisis management expert, meticulously planned and released a statement the day after the verdict was announced. In the statement, Oliver's image was portrayed as humble and resilient.
Oliver first praised Arsenal for its zero-tolerance stance and the swift and fair handling efficiency throughout the incident, thanking the club for resolutely upholding his dignity as a player and the club's values.
Next, Oliver sincerely thanked the Football Association for its clear stance against racial discrimination and for taking tough measures against violations, thereby maintaining the purity of English football. The statement did not stop at official institutions. The power of the fans is also very important, especially those supporters who firmly stood behind Oliver during this storm. Oliver specifically dedicated a separate paragraph to thank fans who have given him unparalleled trust and support through thick and thin, calling them a source of strength and warmth, supporting him through difficult times.
This statement perfectly aligned with fan expectations and mainstream values. Oliver's personal image was not only maintained, but his attitude and sense of responsibility in handling the crisis also earned him additional positive evaluations.
…
With the conclusion of Mesut Özil's legal affairs, Arsenal's handling of his contract issues became straightforward and exceptionally simple. The club officially announced that, based on the moral clauses in the contract, the serious breach of contract recognized by the court, and the permission of the Football Association, all employment contracts with Mesut Özil were terminated immediately.
Most critically, because the termination was based on sufficient grounds and a major breach of contract, Arsenal not only did not need to pay any severance, but also prioritized deducting the club's advance tax payments and legal fees from Özil's compensation. For a club facing huge financial and reputational damage, this saved expense, though not enough to offset all past losses, was a blessing in disguise.
The complete resolution of this matter acted as a shot in the arm, allowing Arsenal's summer transfer operations to accelerate at full speed. Several highly anticipated key transfer targets made breakthrough progress.
Martin Ødegaard's contract was successfully signed, awaiting only medical and official signing; news of Rodri from Villarreal joining Arsenal for £23 million has been widely circulated in major media, he is now considered a cornerstone for Arsenal's future. Reinforcements on the defensive line also brought continuous good news, experienced Portuguese League full-back João Cancelo's arrival in London at a competitive price is already a certainty.
Then there's the progress of the Achraf Hakimi deal. The core framework of this transfer, brokered personally by Wenger, has been agreed upon with Real Madrid. The loan fee was set at a very reasonable £3.5 million, while the buy-out clause was set at £14 million. Due to Carvajal's starting role, Achraf had no immediate prospect of breaking through at Real Madrid. Real Madrid and Achraf himself both wished for him to go to Arsenal; in Real Madrid's current view, Achraf's utility seemed far less than that of the current Carvajal.
Achraf also clearly committed: Once his duties with the Moroccan national team during the World Cup are successfully completed, he will immediately report to the London Colney Training Base without delay.
Seeing so many youngsters added this season. Arsenal fans were actually a bit confused:
[Is the Professor planning a youth storm this season?]
However, the Professor wasn't thinking much else. He frowned, looking at the tactics board and the team's player reports. On the first-team transfer list, a crucial position remained unfilled: center-back. After addressing full-backs Cancelo and Achraf, while the team's main center-backs like Monreal were reliable, rotation depth and pressure resistance in crucial moments were concerning.
Mertesacker had announced his retirement, and while young center-backs had potential, they lacked experience. Therefore, a strong center-back who could stabilize the team and provide experienced reinforcement in tough matchups and key battles was the indispensable final piece of the puzzle for Arsenal, who aimed to challenge for the League. For the Professor, the most difficult problem lay in timing and the market.
The 2018 summer transfer window had entered its latter stages, and quality center-backs were like rare animals in the transfer market, extremely scarce. Excellent center-backs of some renown, in their prime, had already seen their prices skyrocket to astronomical figures. For example, Thiago Silva of Paris Saint-Germain, or Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool for over £80 million in the winter window of last season. Arsenal desperately wanted a center-back in his prime, but it was certainly not possible to loan or buy one in the summer window.
Because everyone lacked center-backs, no fool would sell their defensive cornerstone at this time, and even if they did, it would definitely be at a very high price. Looking at the remaining balance of approximately £30 million on the transfer budget report, Wenger knew the club could not, and would not, once again spend lavishly to fill this position, getting involved in irrational bidding wars with top clubs. Doing so would be too risky and would disrupt the entire season's methodical financial plan.
The Professor devised a new plan. He wasn't pursuing trendy top center-backs, nor was he looking for youngsters anymore.
Instead, he intended to seek an extremely experienced, extremely tough, still-effective veteran who could step up and stabilize the situation in crucial matches. Simply put, he was looking for an old center-back who still had gas in the tank and had experienced countless big occasions. With this goal, Wenger led his skilled scouting team in intense screening and comparative analysis.
They reviewed countless documents and data reports, narrowing the scope to experienced players whose contracts were nearing expiration and who might be seeking a final peak in their careers. After repeated evaluations and intense internal discussions, one name gradually became clear and finally appeared on paper. This name was not only well-known in the football world. It also perfectly matched Wenger's requirements.
Pepe. Yes, it was the former wall of Real Madrid, Pepe. That center-back with a fierce playing style, huge defensive coverage, fearless tackling, and also possessing top-level anticipation and positional sense. Although Pepe is currently 35 years old and plays for Beşiktaş in Turkey, his resume is enough to dazzle anyone.
More importantly, scout feedback and match video analysis showed that Pepe still maintained a very high competitive level in the Turkish League, and his physical condition was well-managed. Pepe's experience and ability to control the situation on the field were precisely the most scarce assets for Arsenal's young defense at the moment.
Wenger personally contacted Pepe's agent. The feedback from the other party was very positive. The agent revealed two key pieces of information:
First, Beşiktaş had clearly stated that they would not renew Pepe's contract after this season and were happy to sell the high-earning veteran in the summer window to free up salary space and squad spots, with a very low transfer fee request.
Second, Pepe himself was at a crossroads in his career and was open to options for his next club.
Then, a crucial phone conference immediately took place between Wenger and Pepe, who was in Turkey. The Professor, speaking to the defender on the other end of the line, offered no flowery promises but honestly described his prospects at Arsenal. Wenger directly analyzed the team's current squad strengths and weaknesses, especially the need for experience and toughness in the center-back position. He spoke of the sensation and potential brought by signing the super new star Oliver, the youth storm brought by new signings like Ødegaard, Rodri, Cancelo, and Achraf, and he unreservedly expressed his own and the club board's determination.
This season, Arsenal was not content with merely fighting for the top four; the new season's goal was clearly set on challenging for the Premier League title and aspiring to achieve a breakthrough in the Champions League. These words deeply moved Pepe.
During the summer window, he learned from the news that Arsenal had signed the highly sought-after super new star Oliver for a high price, which in itself showed ambition from Arsenal's operations. Originally, Pepe's plan was to return to Porto, where he made his name, after his contract with Beşiktaş ended. He wanted to play in the relatively familiar Portuguese environment and comfortably spend the twilight years of his career.
But Wenger gave him an opportunity to come to the top stage of the Premier League and fight for the highest honors. This was like a spark, igniting the fighting spirit deep within him. The Premier League as a global focal point, the huge stage of London, and the core role Wenger bestowed upon him. The allure of this combination of elements, for Pepe, was far greater than the comfort of ending his career in the Portuguese League.
...
[Later, Pepe said in an interview after his retirement in 2024.]
"Back then, being able to play under Professor Wenger and at Emirates Stadium was an honor for me, and I still remember creating that legendary season with my Arsenal teammates."
"My favorite player? Of course, our national team captain, that will never change.
But I have to say, Ollie made me feel like I was assisting the captain at Real Madrid again, the most talented and disciplined young player I've ever met."
"Anything I want to say to Oliver? Hmm... I need to think.
Ollie, taking this interview opportunity, I want to tell you to continue leading Arsenal forward on the path to winning titles, create new legends, you can and you deserve to have more honors, I believe this season's Ballon d'Or winner will still be you.")
...
During the transfer negotiations, Pepe's positive attitude made the negotiation foundation very solid. Arsenal quickly initiated formal contact with Beşiktaş. As the agent had previously revealed, Beşiktaş did not set any obstacles; they readily agreed to let go of the veteran. The focus quickly shifted to the transfer fee and personal terms.
Arsenal's negotiating team accurately grasped Beşiktaş's desire to quickly offload the contract and save on salaries, as well as Pepe's strong desire to join a top-tier Premier League club. After several rounds of efficient negotiations, the final transfer figure was settled at an incredibly low amount.
£4 million!
This was an unbelievably low price in the center-back market, where tens of millions are common. Progress on the personal contract was also rapid. Considering Pepe's age and Arsenal's wage structure, both sides quickly agreed on a weekly salary:
£100,000 per week.
There were no lengthy stalemates, no dramatic twists. Pepe showed great sincerity towards this Premier League invitation. A few days later, at Colney Training Base in London, Képler Pepe completed his official signing and unveiling.
When the Portuguese guy, with his signature short hair, sharp eyes, and lean physique, appeared in front of the cameras wearing an Arsenal training kit, it marked the beginning of a new Premier League chapter for a legendary veteran. As Wenger accompanied him on a tour of the base, their smiling conversation was captured by the media.
Wenger patted Pepe's back, as if entrusting a heavy responsibility; and Pepe nodded frequently, his eyes full of eagerness to fight. Arsenal quickly made an official announcement:
"The club is delighted to announce that we have completed the transfer of experienced Portuguese international center-back Képler Pepe for a transfer fee of £4 million. Pepe has signed a 2-year contract with us (with a one-year club option) and will wear the Arsenal jersey in the new season. Pepe's experience and leadership will add crucial strength to our defense."
This official announcement was like the closing bell of the summer window, signaling the successful completion of all of Arsenal's 2018 summer transfer operations.
Although the investment was not small, it specifically strengthened the front, midfield, and back lines: a young star, future core players, important internal promotions, explosive fullbacks, and crucial experience reinforcement. The fans' reactions were enthusiastic and full of amazement.
After finishing his photoshoot, Pepe touched the red and white jersey on his body and took a deep breath. 35 years old, Premier League, championship dream...
All of this made him feel like he was back at a young starting point.
Still gas in the tank? Yes, of course there's gas, and quite a lot of it.
...
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