The president of French club Lille, Marc Ingla has reassured Arsenal fans around the world that the transfer for Nicolas Pepe is not in any danger.
The winger had agreed to come to the Emirates in a club record deal worth £72m. Ingla said that a few administrative details were missing and that is what was causing the delay in the announcement.
Speaking on the time taken to announce the transfer to RMC(via Metro), he said:
‘I think it should be [made official] in the next 24 hours.’
‘It is normal. There are administrative details.’
Fans are already excited about the prospect of seeing Pepe in an Arsenal shirt. And this was given some proof when the player was pictured wearing an Arsenal kit. It is only a matter of time before the deal will be made official but fans know that they can truly start celebrating only after the confirmation comes from the club.
The transfer of Pepe is an important one in terms of the future of the club going forward. He adds an excitement from the wings that has been missing ever since Alexis Sanchez left the club to join Manchester United. Now they are getting a player that has some similar qualities but crucially has the potential to become an even better player.
Apart from the quality of the winger, another factor that needs to be appreciated is the way in which the North London club have managed to structure this deal. They will only be paying a sum of £20m this summer(as per Metro) as they have a limited budget. It also gives them enough money to focus on other targets such as the Celtic left back Kieran Tierney.
Pepe will give the Gunners a real boost in their attempt to get back into the Champions League as he is a real quality addition to the side. He is an electrifying presence on the wings that will bring many dimensions to the Arsenal attack and help propel them, hopefully into the top four.
A lot of fans would not have expected the club to go out and make a statement signing as big as this but they will be glad that Pepe is coming to the Emirates soon.
