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NICOLAS PEPE claims the prospect of forming a prolific partnership with Alexandre Lacazatte and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang convinced him to join Arsenal.

The Gunners confirmed the club record signing of the former Lille man for £72million on a five-year deal earlier today.

 Arsenal have unveiled the big-money signing of Nicolas Pepe
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Arsenal have unveiled the big-money signing of Nicolas PepeCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Pepe has signed a five-year deal at Arsenal
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Pepe has signed a five-year deal at ArsenalCredit: Getty - Contributor

The Gunners beat off competition from Napoli to land the Lille winger in a deal which will see them spread the payments over the full term of his contract.

Speaking of his move, Pepe said: "When I knew I was coming to Arsenal, I immediately thought of the French guys who play here.

"I thought of Özil, the world champions, Lacazette, Aubameyang and many more. Of course, these are the players who sprang to mind because I used to watch them when I was at Lille.

"Also, Lacazette used to play for Lyon and so I have had the opportunity to play against him. It will be an honour to play alongside him.

“I have come a long way and struggled a lot — so signing for this great club is a big reward.

“It was important to make the right decision — and I am convinced Arsenal is the right choice.”

Manager Unai Emery was quick to express his delight at the arrival.

He said: "Nicolas is a highly-rated and talented winger who was wanted by many of the top teams in Europe.

"Signing a top-class winger has been one of our key objectives in this transfer window and I'm delighted he's joining.

"He will add pace, power and creativity, with the aim of bringing more goals to our team."

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast star will now link straight up with Emery's squad and could make his first appearance in the prestige friendly against Barcelona on Sunday.

He will wear the No19 shirt.

Arsenal's capture of Pepe was something of a shock during a summer which has seen them battle against budgetary restraints limiting the players Emery could sign.

The Gunners had first tried to prise Wilfried Zaha away from Crystal Palace to provide the extra attacking edge the manager was after,

But their initial bid of £40m was laughed away by Palace who were demanding double that - a figure Arsenal just could not go to.

And Pepe, who had been tracked by a series of top clubs across Europe, appeared destined for a move to Serie A when Napoli reached an agreement with Lille for his services.

The Italians believed they had got the deal done - only for Arsenal's Head of Recruitment Raul Sanllehi to steal in under the radar and match the bid.

 The Ivory Coast star left become's the clubs most expensive player ever
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The Ivory Coast star left become's the clubs most expensive player everCredit: Getty - Contributor

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Crucially he was able to structure a deal which will see the London club meet the asking price over five annual instalments, which allows him to fit within the financial constraints in place at the Emirates.

It leaves the Gunners with a fearsome looking attacking united of Pepe, Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette as Emery puts together a trio who will strike fear across Premier League defences.

Arsenal fans are so enthusiastic about the prospect of the three linking up they have voted their front three better than the group at Liverpool - which sees Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino link up.

 Unai Emery now boasts one of the best strike forces in the league
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Unai Emery now boasts one of the best strike forces in the leagueCredit: Getty - Contributor
Arsenal sign winger Nicolas Pepe for £72m - here is why
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