How arsenal reached pepe agreement with a limited transfer budget

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Arsenal have also relied on instalments in their efforts to sign Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney. But, so far, the Gunners' two bids for Tierney have been rejected, as the Hoops don’t


want a deal to include instalments. The transfer for Pepe is expected to be completed within the next couple of days. Napoli were also in the running to sign the Lille forward, but the


player’s agent rejected their offer, claims BBC Sport's David Ornstein. “Arsenal have reached an agreement with Lille to sign Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe for ~€80m, paid by


instalments to fit #AFC budget,” he tweeted. “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.” If Arsenal were to complete the deal for Pepe, that could see them end their pursuit in Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha. Arsenal are still looking to make a number of


signings this summer, even if they seal the transfer of Pepe. The club are still leading the way for Tierney’s signature, while they’ve also been linked with centre-back Ruben Dias from


Benfica. Emery has already signed Real Madrid starlet Dani Ceballos on loan for the rest of the season. He’s also sealed a deal for Saint-Etienne’s William Saliba, but the defender will be


heading straight back to the club on a season-long loan.