Arsenal have announced the £72million transfer of Nicolas Pepe from Lille – making the Ivory Coast international their most expensive signing.
According to Marca, Pepe agreed to a five-year contract at the Emirates, having undergone a medical on Tuesday. The report said the Gunners will part with £20million now, with the following £52million being split over the next four years – Lille receiving £13million per year – to avoid smashing their budget.
Reacting to the transfer, Arsenal Head coach Unai Emery said: “Nicolas is a highly-rated and talented winger who was wanted by many of the top teams in Europe. Signing a top-class winger has been one of our key objectives in this transfer window and I’m delighted he’s joining. He will add pace, power, and creativity, with the aim of bringing more goals to our team.”
Pepe who expressed delight at the move said his decision was influenced by the opportunity of playing alongside great players that are at the club.
