Nicolas Pepe Becomes Africa’s Most Expensive Player

Ivory Coast’s Nicolas Pepe has become the most expensive African player to be transferred in history.

Arsenal are paying US$89 million to French team Lille in order to secure Pepe on a five-year contracts. The previous record was held by DRC’s Cedric Bakambu after China’s Beijing Guoan paid $79 million to Spanish team Villareal.

Pepe has been at Lille for two season, during which time he has scored 35 goals for the team.

Commenting on his transfer to English side Arsenal Pepe stated, “Being here is very emotional.” He described the signing as “a big reward.”