Nicolas Pepe spotted at airport ahead of medical to complete £72m Arsenal transfer
Football
By
Mirror
| Jul 29, 2019
Lille winger Nicolas Pepe has been pictured in Miami Airport preparing to board a flight as he gets set for an Arsenal medical this week.
After being in African Cup of Nations action for the Ivory Coast, the 24-year-old has been enjoying a holiday in the United States.
He was due to jet back into Europe on Monday and was filmed posing for a picture with fans in the airport ahead of his flight back, with the footage posted late on Sunday night.
He is expected to have a medical with Arsenal this week after they agreed a club-record £72m fee with Lille.
Whilst he was most likely boarding his existing flight back to France, he is expected in North London this week to undergo his medical and complete a move.
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Reports have suggested Pepe is close to finalising personal terms over a long-term deal, with some discussions over agent fees still being completed to allow the move to take place.
He was close to a move to Napoli before Arsenal's huge bid, which saw them reach an agreement to pay Lille in gradual installments to keep in line with their tight transfer budget.
His cousin also shared an image of Pepe mocked up in an Arsenal kit, suggesting he is on his way to link up with Unai Emery's side.
Discussing Pepe at the weekend, Emery said: "Pepe is a very good player and also we are thinking only of players who can really, really improve this squad and also give us some different conditions to improve."
Arsenal have been told they are "in for a treat" with the signing of Pepe by his former team-mate Jose Fonte.
"He’s incredible if he can reach the same level, which I believe he will, which he did with Lille last season then Arsenal fans will be very happy," the former Southampton and West Ham defender told talkSPORT.
"He is super quick, he has a left foot which is silky, one vs one he is second to none.
"He finishes really good, he takes penalties, he takes free kicks, he is a very, very accomplished player and I think Arsenal fans will be in for a treat for sure."