Pepe’s impending arrival at Arsenal puts major pressure on Mkhitaryan

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Arsenal are closing in on Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.

The Ivorian speedster is in London for a medical ahead of his proposed £72 million move to the Emirates Stadium.

BBC Sport say the move should be confirmed some time later this week, with the 24-year-old to sign a five-year contract.

The deal, once announced, will make Pepe Arsenal’s new record signing with the deal shattering the £56 million Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deal in 2018 (BBC Sport).

The Gunners have seemingly moved for Pepe, after struggling to make any headway in their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

It is a huge statement of intent from Europa League club Arsenal, who harbour hopes of returning to the Champions League for 2020/21.

One man who could potentially be negatively affected by the transfer, is Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

TBR’s view

With Pepe’s main position being right-wing, it’s looking like Mkhitaryan will be spending a lot of his time as a substitute in 2018/19.

Since his move from Manchester United, the Armenia international has really struggled to show consistency for the Gunners.

As he is a big earner – £180,000-a-week according to Spotrac – one gets the feeling that 2019/20 could be last-chance saloon for Mkhitaryan before he is transfer-listed.

He needs to showcase his best form when given the chances by Unai Emery, otherwise it could be curtains for him come the summer of 2020.