Arsenal have completed the £72million transfer of Nicolas Pepe from Lille – making the Ivory Coast international their most expensive signing.

Winger Pepe has agreed a five-year contract at the Emirates having undergone a medical on Tuesday, following the two clubs settling on the fee over the weekend.

The Gunners will part with £20million now, with the following £52million being split over the next four years – Lille receiving £13million per year – to avoid smashing their budget.

Ivorian Pepe had also been on the radar of Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and Paris-Saint Germain, while Napoli had lodged a bid, which was rejected.