Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has revealed his excitement ahead of the imminent arrival of Nicolas Pepe, who is joining in a club-record deal from Lille.
The capture of the 24-year-old Ivory Coast international will see the Gunners smash their transfer record for the third time in the past four windows, surpassing the fees paid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Alongside that duo, Pepe could be a deadly acquisition for Unai Emery's side as they look to bring an end to a three-year absence from the Champions League and Winterburn believes he will be a top asset.
"I’ve only seen little bits of Pepe but as soon as you get linked to any player I’m like every supporter, going straight on YouTube and watching all the best bits," he told 888 Sport .
"What I’ve liked from what I’ve seen is that he’s very direct, got good skill and seems difficult to knock off the ball. He seems willing to work back as well.
"I thought Arsenal’s approach work was too slow last season, particularly without Ramsey in the team, and he’s somebody who can move distances with the ball and be an exciting link-up with Lacazette and Aubameyang. I think that will be quite exciting for supporters.
"I’m quite excited about the Pepe signing and I hope it goes through. It would be a disaster for the club if it didn’t."
However, Winterburn also made it clear the club needs to continue to be active in the final week of the transfer window to strengthen in other areas of the squad.
"At the end of last season I was adamant that we needed a new centre-half; potentially a new midfield player and also a wide player as well with plenty of pace and ability to attack in the wide areas. We had a problem there and clearly Unai Emery believes that as well.
"I know it looks like we’re doing things the wrong way around and it could be asked why Arsenal aren’t spending £70m on a defender but maybe that defender at this time is not available. You can’t always do things in your preferred order.
"I’m excited about the players who have come in so far and I certainly think they will enhance the squad. I’m just now hoping that we can address the defence in the next few days as well."
