Arsenal will pay an initial £20million for Nicolas Pepe, as the Lille attacker moves closer to a club-record £72m switch.
Despite working with a limited transfer budget this summer, Arsenal look on course to complete what could be the most expensive signing by any Premier League club in this window.
It is understood Arsenal will stay within budget by paying as little £20m up front for the Ivory Coast international, with the remaining £52m paid in instalments within five years.
Winger Pepe is expected to have a medical by the end of the week before completing his move to the Emirates Stadium.
The signing will be an impressive coup for the Gunners hierarchy given Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Napoli have all been credited with an interest.
The 24-year-old Pepe will form part of what should be an exciting forward line next season.
Hemperor
54
Now I get it....Arsenal won’t spoil their reputation to steal money to buy players....cos I wondered where the money is coming from
Cumdlmnrt
53
this is awesome, am glad pepe is coming It's a great addition to the group, Although the amount is in excessive due to how football has sold it soul for money Sometimes ago, but the duration of payment is cool(to be payed within five years)That's cool. am happy cause this is real coup well plotted. cheers
IbrahimKakande
50
Whoever said Arsenal had £45 must have thought really hard and discovered it would work in Arsenal's favour. Imagine such a deal....they pay just 16m every window for a player they are already using!!! Very smart!!!
saobckmty
45
A lot of people clearly know nothing about trasfers. most if not all big transfers are paid in installments athletico Madrid paid just about 20million upfront to get joao Felix's signature but there were no negative or provocative comments aimed at them but arsenal do smart business and you start seeing all kinds of disgruntled, ignorant people given flimsy comments. Arsenal is now under the leadership of people who know how to outsmart the transfer market and disgruntled rivals just don't know how to live with that
SilverSurfer
37
Great news for Arsenal...