Arsenal are hopeful that Nicolas Pepe will be fit to face Newcastle on the opening day of the season, according to reports in the UK.

The Ivorian international is reportedly in London to have his medical ahead of finalising his £72m move to the Gunners.

Pepe is said to have agreed a five-year contract with Arsenal, worth approximately £150,000 a week.

The London club have beaten off the likes of Napoli, Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain for the player’s signature.

Arsenal have two more friendlies before their first competitive fixture in 12 days time. They face French club Angers tomorrow evening before they play Barcelona for the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday.

Manager Unai Emery may even try to give Pepe some minutes against Barca if the deal can be finalised before the weekend, but it seems that they are more confident of him being available for the league opener at St James’ Park.