This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
On August 1, 2019, Arsenal announced the signing of Nicolas Pepe, a 24-year-old Ivorian forward from French club Lille, in a club-record deal.
Financial details of the transfer were not revealed, but British media reported it was around 72 million pounds, surpassing the 56 million pounds paid to Borussia Dortmund for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last year.
‘Nicolas is a highly-rated and talented winger who was wanted by many of the top teams in Europe,’ said Arsenal manager Unai Emery in a statement.
Pepe, who scored 22 goals in Ligue 1 last season, second only to Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, signed a five-year deal and will wear the number 19 shirt at the London club.
‘Being here is very emotional because it has not been easy for me,’ said Pepe. ‘I have come a long way and struggled a lot and so signing for this great club is a big reward.’
