Unai Emery claims Nicolas Pepe would really improve the current squad ahead of the transfer.
Unai Emery says the club is working is on players who would amend the squad, and sees Nicolas Pepe as one of them. The Spaniard’s interest in the Ivorian is publicly known following the first enquiry to LOSC Lille back in February.
There were huge doubts over the prospect of landing big fishes this summer, but the transfer of Nicolas Pepe is set to be completed in the coming days. The 24-year-old, who bagged 23 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season, has set his heart on the Gunners despite interest from a host of European clubs including Napoli, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Inter Milan.
The Europa League runners-up have long been searching for an attacker who can provide natural width and Emery said Pepe is a “very good player”.
Speaking after Arsenal’s pre-season defeat by Lyon at the Emirates, Emery said: “We are working, the club, and also thinking about how we can improve. They have different players on the table with the possibility that we can achieve their signature.
“Pepe is a very good player, and also we are thinking only [about] players who really, really improve the squad and also give us some different conditions to improve. We are working in the last few weeks before the season starts with the first match against Newcastle to get the best team with the best players in our squad.”
Pepe would be the fourth signing of the summer transfer window for Arsenal. Unai Emery has already wrapped up permanent deals for Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba, whereas Dani Ceballos has joined from Real Madrid on a season-long loan. The Saint-Etienne defender has headed back to France on loan for the upcoming season before returning to the Emirates Stadium next summer.
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What’s next?
The signing of Nicolas Pepe would ameliorate the frontline, but the Gunners need to strengthen their backline to finish in the Champions League spot next season.
