Arsenal are reportedly closing in over securing Nicolas Pepe, with the 24-year-old due in London today to undergo his medical and finalise his move from Lille to Arsenal.
Pepe is regarded as one of the most exciting offensive talent in Europe after another outstanding season for Lille, and is now on verge of completing move to The Emirates.
Skysports claim that Pepe will be in England today and the club hopes for him to make his debut in or before team’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
Pepe is arguably Arsenal’s most exciting signing for sometime now, as the Gunners are not known for splashing the cash on big players, although they have gone against the trend occasionally by bringing in the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the last few years.
However, Pepe at £72 million, will make him Arsenal’s club-record deal. Lille will receive around £20m ($24m) up front, before Arsenal pays off what remains of the fee in a series of installments over the length of his five-year contract.
“Arsenal are on course to confirm the €80m club-record signing of Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe from Lille later this week,” Ornstein reported.
“The 24-year-old winger/forward has arrived in London and will undergo a medical today before signing a five-year contract at the Emirates.”