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How PSG star Neymar has helped Arsenal club record fee for Nicolas Pepe transfer
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Neymar has helped Arsenal in their transfer pursuit of Nicolas Pepe, as the Lille forward wanted a move to the French champions, but grew tired of waiting for the Brazilian to leave.
Nicolas Pepe: Arsenal fans will be ‘very happy’ says Jose Fonte
Arsenal have Neymar to thank if they officially confirm the signing of Pepe, according to But! Football Club.
Pepe initially wanted to a move to PSG, and the French champions have reportedly always been his preferred destination.
PSG were prepared to make a move for the Lille winger, but only if Neymar was sold this summer. That’s because both players operate in similar positions.
As it’s become increasingly unlikely that Neymar will be leaving the Parc des Princes, Pepe has become tired of waiting, and accepted Arsenal’s offer, it said.
Arsenal are close to confirming the deal with Lille for Nicolas Pepe
Arsenal are close to confirming the deal with Lille for Pepe, and the club are confident of announcing the transfer by the end of the week.
The Gunners had a £72m bid for the forward accepted last week, and the player made a decision on his future on Monday.
He’s been booked into a medical after agreeing personal terms with the north London club.
Pepe is believed to have turned down an approach from Italian outfit Napoli in order to move to Arsenal.
Unai Emery only has around £45m to spend this summer, so the fee will be paid in a series of instalments.
If the Gunners do complete the signing of Pepe, it’s likely that they’ll end their pursuit of Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.
Zaha has been linked with a move to the Emirates since the start of the month, but talks appear to have stalled.
Arsenal had a £40m bid rejected for the want-away Ivory Coast international, and now face competition from Everton.
Pepe attracted Arsenal’s attention after an impressive season at Lille.
He finished as second top-goalscorer in Ligue 1 last season, only behind PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.
His Lille team-mate Jose Fonte has told Arsenal fans that they’re in for a treat if the deal is completed.
He said that Pepe was “special”, and that he can become one of the best players in the world.