![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/NicolasPepeLille_large.jpg\")
Arsenal have completed the signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille for a club-record fee.<\/p>\nArsenal have completed the signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille for a club-record fee.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international has signed a deal at the Emirates Stadium for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth \u00a372m (\u20ac79m).<\/p>\n
Pepe’s move eclipses the \u00a355m (\u20ac60m) spent on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January 2018 as the Gunners add another attacking option to their ranks.<\/p>\n
Arsenal confirmed the paperwork for the move, which is “subject to the completion of regulatory processes” had been finalized on Thursday, and Pepe would wear the number 19 shirt.<\/p>\n
Gunners head coach Unai Emery said: “Nicolas is a highly-rated and talented winger who was wanted by many of the top teams in Europe.<\/p>\n
“Signing a top-class winger has been one of our key objectives in this transfer window and I’m delighted he’s joining.<\/p>\n
“He will add pace, power and creativity, with the aim of bringing more goals to our team.”<\/p>\n
Pepe scored 22 Ligue 1 goals last season and was linked with a host of clubs over the summer including Manchester United and Napoli.<\/p>\n
Arsenal emerged late last week as the somewhat surprising front-runners and have completed the deal which will include paying for the player in installments.<\/p>\n
Pepe said in an interview with Arsenal Media: “Being here is very emotional because it has not been easy for me.<\/p>\n
“I have come a long way and struggled a lot and so signing for this great club is a big reward.”<\/p>\n
Asked how he would describe his playing style, the Ivory Coast international said: Fast. Quick to connect with the ball and a good finisher as well. That is also an area where I have made progress.<\/p>\n
“I would say that I am quick and a dribbler.”<\/p>\n