Arsenal transfer news: Gunners ‘in for a treat’ when they complete Nicolas Pepe signing, claims Jose Fonte

The Gunners have agreed a £72m fee with Lille for the Ivorian winger

Jack Rathborn
Monday 29 July 2019 13:47 BST
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Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette leaves Emirates Stadium in protective boot

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Arsenal are “in for a treat” when they sign Nicolas Pepe according to the Ivorian’s Lille teammate Jose Fonte.

The Gunners have agreed a £72m fee with the Ligue 1 club, seemingly beating off competition from Napoli, while Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Inter Milan were also linked.

After 22 goals and 11 assists in the league last term, Pepe appears set to take his talents to the Premier League.

Former Southampton defender Fonte claims Unai Emery and Gunners fans will be adding an “incredible” player.

“He’s incredible if he can reach the same level, which I believe he will, which he did with Lille last season then Arsenal fans will be very happy,” Fonte told Talk Sport.

“He is super quick, he has a left foot which is silky, one vs one he is second to none.

“He finishes really good, he takes penalties, he takes free kicks, he is a very, very accomplished player and I think Arsenal fans will be in for a treat for sure.”

Lille forward Nicolas Pepe is on his way to Arsenal
Lille forward Nicolas Pepe is on his way to Arsenal (AFP/Getty)

Emery praised Pepe on Sunday after the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Lyon in the Emirates Cup.

“We are thinking about how we can improve the club,” Emery added when quizzed on the Ivorian.

“Pépé is a very good player and we are only thinking about players that can improve this squad and give us different conditions.”

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