How Arsenal reached Nicolas Pepe agreement despite having limited transfer budget
ARSENAL have agreed a £72m transfer fee with Lille for Nicolas Pepe, despite Gunners boss Unai Emery having just £45m to spend this summer, as the deal will be made up of instalments.
Arsenal have also relied on instalments in their efforts to sign Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney
Arsenal have also relied on instalments in their efforts to sign Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney.
But, so far, the Gunners' two bids for Tierney have been rejected, as the Hoops don’t want a deal to include instalments.
The transfer for Pepe is expected to be completed within the next couple of days.
Napoli were also in the running to sign the Lille forward, but the player’s agent rejected their offer, claims BBC Sport's David Ornstein.
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners reach Nicolas Pepe deal despite Unai Emery having small budget (Image: GETTY Images)
“Arsenal have reached an agreement with Lille to sign Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe for ~€80m, paid by instalments to fit #AFC budget,” he tweeted.
“5yr deal, agent agreement still needed but set to be closed in next 24/48hrs.
“Napoli also have agreement with #LOSC but agent rejected proposal.”
If Arsenal were to complete the deal for Pepe, that could see them end their pursuit in Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy