LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal have signed a contract with Ivory Coast striker Nicola Bibi from Lille on Thursday.
The 24-year-old was officially transferred to the team and will wear the 19th jersey, Arsenal said in a statement on its official Web site.
"Nicolas is a high-level and talented wing and he was wanted by the best clubs in Europe," said Arsenal coach Onai Imri. "Signing up with a leading wing was our priority in the summer transfer market, and I am happy to join the team."
Emery concluded his remarks that the new player "will add more speed and strength to the team, and will score a lot of goals for the team."
Arsenal did not disclose the financial details of the deal, but British media reported it was worth 72 million pounds (about 78 million euros), breaking the previous record when the club paid 61 million euros to Borussia Dortmund for striker Pierre-Imrik Obamyang last year. .
Pepe's deal removed the Algerian striker from the throne of the most expensive African player he has been on since he moved to Manchester City a year ago for about 73 million euros.
Pepe scored 22 goals in the French league last season, finishing second behind Paris St Germain who scored 33 goals.
"I can not control my feelings," Pepe said. "I've come a long way and suffered a lot, so joining Arsenal is a big bonus for me."
Pepe is Arsenal's fourth signing for the new season after signing Brazilian side Gabriel Martinele and Spanish midfielder Daniel Sibayos on loan from Real Madrid and French defender William Saliba of St Etienne who will remain on loan for next season.
Arsenal were fifth in the league last season and will play a friendly against Barcelona on Sunday, before starting their new season against Newcastle United on August 11.