Just In: Arsenal Agree Deal For Ivory Coast Winger

English Premier League giants Arsenal have reportedly reached an €80m (£72m) agreement with Lille for Ivory Coast international winger, Nicolas Pepe.

BBC Sport reports that Arsenal will pay in instalments and an agreement over a five-year deal is expected to be reached in the next 24/48 hours.

Pepe’s representatives met with Napoli in the week with the Serie A club leading the race to secure his signature amid significant interest.

However, their proposal was reportedly rejected by Pepe’s agent, who is pushing for a move to the Gunners.

Reports in Italy have suggested Arsenal are willing to pay the agents’ fees and commission they desire, placing them in pole position to agree to personal terms.

The Gunners were also reported to be in the running to sign Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha but Everton seems to be leading the race for the former Manchester United player.

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Lille to sign Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe for ~€80m, paid by instalments to fit #AFC budget. 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

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 27, 2019