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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Nicolas Pepe makes huge Lionel Messi claim after completing £72m Arsenal transfer

Arsenal's fourth signing of the summer transfer window is Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe.

The 24-year-old was linked with moves to Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United and Napoli this summer, but it's the Gunners who have won the race for his signature.

Head coach Unai Emery is expected to address a number of positions within his squad  this summer - most notably in defence - but last season proved just how much a natural wide-man was needed.

The player Pepe is aiming to emulate will surely excite Arsenal supporters.

When asked which player he admires the most, the Ivorian name-dropped arguably the best player in the world.

"Lionel Messi," he responded to Arsenal.com . "Because he is simply the best player in the world."

Pepe also described his playing style.

"Fast. Quick to connect with the ball and a good finisher as well," he added.

"That is also an area where I have made progress. I would say that I am quick and a dribbler."

Arsenal unveil new signing Nicolas Pepe (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Pepe could now make his Arsenal debut in their final pre-season friendly of the summer against Barcelona and Lionel Messi on Sunday at the Camp Nou.

Then it's on to the Premier League opener against Newcastle United at St James' Park a week later.

It is likely that Arsenal will now be on the lookout for defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes next Thursday.

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