Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe, according to multiple reports in the English media.
It is believed that the Gunners could finalise the signing for the Ivorian international in the next 24 hours, with personal terms close to being agreed.
Supporters on Twitter are very excited by the prospect of Pepe joining the club:
Arsenal top 4 confirmed. I’m genuinely speechless
— Tяυsτ №¹-Yahya™ (@RealistYahz) 27 July 2019
I still believe I haven't woken up
— Paul McG AFC ☘️© (@Afcpmg) 27 July 2019
— Jahan Miah (@AllAboutTheAFC) 27 July 2019
I don’t quite believe it.
— Pain In The Arsenal (@PainInThArsenal) 27 July 2019
Me right now: pic.twitter.com/l0Ot3LQF4q
— Sensible Arsenal (@ArsenalSensible) 27 July 2019
I'm still NOT believing that we are signing Pepe until I see him outside the Emirates!! ?? #AFC pic.twitter.com/sGJW558O7r
— Kuda (@KudaGodfrey) 27 July 2019
So strange what 45 mill budget could buy you
— Eromosele (@___sele_) 27 July 2019
Woah.
— Red White Gooner ?⚪️ (@RedWhite_Gooner) 27 July 2019
Amazing signing. https://t.co/EaCs7rFQ8i
— INSIGHT FOOTBALL (@insight_futbol) 27 July 2019
OMG
— Bear in the bigger than before blue house (@JacobCrankHogg) 27 July 2019
Considering all the talk of the club’s limited transfer budget this summer, a move for a player worth €80m (£72m) has come as a big surprise to many.
It appears that Arsenal have been very smart with their accounting, offering to pay the transfer fee in instalments over the next few seasons, which Lille have agreed to.
A front three of Pierre-Emerick Aubmeyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Pepe will surely be very exciting to watch next campaign, if the Gunners do manage to get the transfer over the line for the 24-year-old.