Transfer: Pepe flies in for Arsenal medicals, becomes most expensive African player

Lille winger, Nicolas Pepe, will fly in for his medical checks with Arsenal today, after both clubs agreed a £72million deal, Le10Sport reports.

Arsenal logo

The Ivorian will sign a five-year deal with the Gunners and becomes the most expensive African football ever.

Arsenal will pay £20million upon the deal being completed, with the following £52million being split over the next four years.

Pepe overtakes ex-Villareal striker Bakambu, 27, who cost Chinese Super League club, Beijing Guoan, a £65million fee.

Here are the top 11 most expensive African footballers currently:

1. Nicolas Pepe (Lille > Arsenal) – £72 million

2. Cedric Bakambu (Villarreal > Beijing Guoan) – £65 million

3. Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City > Manchester City) – £60 million

4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund > Arsenal) – £56 million

5. Naby Keita (RasenBallsport Leipzig > Liverpool) – £52.75 million

6. Mohamed Salah (AS Roma > Liverpool) – £36.9 million

7. Sadio Mane (Southampton > Liverpool) – £35 million

8. Eric Bailly (Villarreal > Manchester United) – £30 million

9. Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon > Leicester City) – £29.5 million including add-ons

10. Wilfried Bony (Swansea City > Manchester City) – £28 million

11. Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal > Manchester City) – £25 million.