Lille defender Jose Fonte has backed Nicolas Pepe to develop into a world class star at Arsenal.
The Gunners confirmed over the weekend that they had a agreed a £72million deal for the winger, with Pepe set to undergo a medical at the Emirates in the coming days.
And Fonte, who was a team-mate of Pepe's last season, has backed the 24-year-old to be a big hit at the Emirates, while also revealing that the Ivory Coast international has always dreamt of playing in the Premier League.
“He’s incredible,” the former Southampton man told talkSPORT .
“If he can reach the same level that he did last year in Lille, which I believe he will, I think Arsenal fans will be very happy.
“He’s super quick, his left foot is silky, his 1v1 is second to none, he finishes really good, he takes penalties and free kicks.
“He’s a very accomplished player and I think Arsenal fans will be in for a treat.”
The Portugal international then added: “I’m not surprised at all [that many other clubs wanted Pepe]. It’s not always that you have a player like this.
“I’ve played with a lot of players and this kid is special. There’s no doubt about it, he’s special.
“He can get to a very, very high level and can be one of the best in the world, 100 per cent, I’m confident he has everything in place to get there.
“He’s a young boy still, he has always wanted to Premier League as we used to chat in the dressing room. So I’m happy for him if it happens.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world, Arsenal is a great club and I’m sure he’ll enjoy London as well.
“I’m excited to see him play in the Premier League.
“He had so many options, he had so many clubs looking at him. I actually didn’t see Arsenal coming. I heard more about PSG and Napoli, I didn’t hear about Arsenal until last week, but it’s great for him.”
