This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
On August 1, 2019, Arsenal made history by signing Nicolas Pepe from Lille in a deal worth £72 million, making him the club's most expensive signing.
The 24-year-old Ivorian winger had been on the radar of several top European clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, and Paris-Saint Germain, but ultimately chose Arsenal's 'sporting project'.
Pepe had a medical on Tuesday and agreed a five-year contract with the Gunners, with the deal being structured to avoid exceeding Arsenal's budget.
The winger will earn £20 million upfront, with the remaining £52 million being split over four years, with Lille receiving £13 million per year.
Head coach Unai Emery hailed Pepe as a 'highly-rated and talented winger' who will add pace, power, and creativity to the team.
Pepe is expected to form a formidable front line alongside Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who netted 50 goals between themselves last season.
