Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe will turn down the advances of Napoli in order to sign a deal with Arsenal, according to a close associate of the player.
Unai Emery has a limited budget at Arsenal but BBC Sport reporter David Ornstein reported over the weekend that Lille have agreed to accept a £72m fee in instalments to suit the Gunners.
Napoli have also agreed a deal with Lille and Pepe’s agent was spotted visiting the Serie A club this week but it is understood that the two parties were unable to reach an agreement.
And the Daily Express claims that Pepe is now expected to complete a move to the Gunners in the ‘next 24 hours’.
A close associate of Pepe’s told Ivorian publication Sport Mania: “After meeting and discarding several clubs, Nicolas Pepe was able to choose between Naples and Arsenal.
“I won’t lie to you: a total agreement was almost reached with Napoli.
“But Arsenal’s offer was more convincing, both financially and in terms of the sporting project.”