This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
July 31, 2019
Nicolas Pepe's highly anticipated transfer to Arsenal has seemingly been confirmed, with photos emerging of the Ivory Coast international in an Arsenal shirt.
The £72m (Sh9 million) switch has been the subject of intense speculation in recent days, with Pepe having completed a medical on Tuesday and reportedly set to sign a five-year contract.
While neither club has officially confirmed the deal, it is only a matter of time before an announcement is made, and it could even happen tomorrow.
Pepe's arrival will provide a significant boost to Arsenal's attacking options, with the 22-goal Ligue 1 striker set to join Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the Gunners' frontline.
However, it is unlikely that Pepe will feature in Arsenal's pre-season match against Angers on Wednesday, but he could make his debut in their final friendly game against Barcelona at the weekend.
Once the deal is completed, Arsenal will be able to turn their attentions to doing their final bits of business before the transfer window slams shut next Thursday.
Manager Unai Emery is still hoping to bring in a defender, with Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney the most likely to come in, while the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi could move on.
Arsenal take on Newcastle at St James' Park in their first Premier League game on Sunday August 11.
