This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
On July 27, 2019, Arsenal reached an agreement with Lille to sign Nicolas Pepe in a deal worth Sh9.2 billion, marking a significant investment for the Gunners.
The transfer, which is expected to be completed within 24 to 48 hours, will see the 24-year-old Ivory Coast winger join the team via a series of instalments that suit Arsenal's restricted budget for the summer.
Italian side Napoli also expressed interest in Pepe, but their proposal was rejected by the player's representatives, who opted for the Gunners' offer.
Pepe, who scored 23 goals for Lille last season, is expected to bring pace and high technical ability to the team, operating on the right wing and cutting in on to his left foot.
His signing comes after Arsenal's failed attempt to sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace, with the Gunners offering Sh5 billion, but ultimately being rejected due to the player's high valuation of Sh10 billion.
-Report by BBC Sport
