This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
On July 25, 2019, Nicolas Pepe became the most expensive African footballer in the world when he signed with Arsenal for £72 million ($87 million, Sh9 billion).
AFP takes a look at the top five transfers featuring African players.
Pepe's transfer from Lille to Arsenal was a significant one, with the Ivorian forward earning around eight million euros per year. In return, Arsenal fans expect goals, as the team dreams of a return to the Champions League.
Pepe's goal-scoring record is impressive, with 22 goals last season as Lille finished second in Ligue 1.
Other notable African transfers include Cedric Bakumbu's £65.4 million move from Villarreal to Beijing Guoan in February 2018, and Riyad Mahrez's £60 million transfer from Leicester City to Manchester City in January 2018.
Mahrez, 28, was a key player in Leicester's Premier League triumph in 2015-16 and has continued to impress with Manchester City, helping the team win the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2019.
Other African players who have made significant transfers include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund for £56 million in January 2018, and Naby Keita, who moved from Leipzig to Liverpool for £52.75 million in July 2018.
