Arsenal should seal the signing of Lille winger Nicolas Pepe today, according to the French club’s president Gerard Lopez. Speaking yesterday about the 24-year-old, the Lille chief confirmed the deal was close to being announced:

“The deal will be done within 24 hours. It is for £72m plus some other details.”

There has been some confusion over how far along Pepe’s transfer has progressed after Gunners boss Unai Emery muddied the waters slightly with his comments after Arsenal’s 1-1 friendly draw against Angers yesterday.

The Spaniard said that the Ivorian was a player that the club were interested in, but denied that the deal had been completed.

Most reports have suggested that Pepe has already undergone a medical, with pictures having been leaked purportedly showing the winger posing in an Arsenal shirt.

Despite Emery downplaying the reports, the €80m (£72m) deal does not seem to be far from being announced, if Lopez’s comments are anything to go by. Fans will be waiting with bated breath for an official confirmation on the club’s website.