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Arsenal set for ‘busy’ end to window after Nicolas Pepe signing but fans sent warning
ARSENAL are set for a busy end to the transfer window even if they complete a club-record deal for Nicolas Pepe, claims BBC Sport’s David Ornstein.
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Pepe is said to have agreed a £72million move to Arsenal from Ligue 1 side Napoli.
The Ivory Coast winger is set to be the Gunners’ fourth signing of the summer window.
He would follow Gabriel Martinelli, Dani Ceballos and William Saliba through the door at the Emirates.
But Ornstein says Arsenal’s business will not be done there, as they remain keen on signing Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney.
I think Arsenal might need to see some departures now, even if they’re not big-name departures, to free up some finance
Ornstein believes the Gunners could still be in the market for a centre-back to try and solve their defensive issues.
However, he has warned fans that may only come to fruition if a couple of players leave the club.
“I think the Arsenal transfer business after this could be very limited because this will take a significant chunk out of their budget,” Ornstein told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Of course we know they’re still interested in Kieran Tierney of Celtic.
Arsenal fan questions whether club 'needs' Nicolas Pepe
“The clubs need to come to an agreement on the structure of payments if that’s going to happen.
“Arsenal are pretty much at the asking price but not in the structure that Celtic want.
“Many fans and commentators will point out that they need to strengthen in central defence.
“I think Arsenal might need to see some departures now, even if they’re not big-name departures, to free up some finance to allow that to happen.
“But obviously bringing in Pepe at such expense makes it harder for them to fill other positions.
“Defensively there’s confidence with [Rob] Holding coming back and [Hector] Bellerin also from injury, and then the season after Saliba.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a busy final couple of weeks of the transfer window for them.
“But certainly other areas of the pitch might be harder to strengthen now because of this significant outlay.”