The real reason why Arsenal wants Nicolas Pepe and Wilfried Zaha instead of new defenders

Arsenal is expected to confirm the signing of Nicolas Pepe's club record in Lille and, according to reports, maintain his interest in Wilfried Zaha.

Unai Emery turned his attention to the 24-year-old, who scored 22 goals last season and recorded 11 badists, after Crystal Palace rejected an initial £ 40 million offer for the former Manchester United striker .

Lille will receive £ 72 million from Arsenal, but most of all, she was happy to accept a payment over a five-year contract signed earlier this week before the official announcement.

After the slow start of their summer transfer business, Arsenal fans are suddenly eager to start the new season with Josh Kroenke, son of majority shareholder Stan, who is keeping his promise to sign exciting commitments.

The enthusiasm for Pepe's imminent arrival was, however, slightly mitigated by lingering concerns over a defense that seriously compromised the continued qualification of the Champions League last season.

Arsenal conceded 51 goals last season, as in the previous campaign, finished one point outside the top four and surrendered in the Europa League final against Chelsea.

With captain Laurent Koscielny on strike and the return of new recruit William Saliba in Saint-Etienne, Calum Chambers represents the only new half-center for which Emery will appeal before the inaugural match against Newcastle in just over a week.

The England international spent last season at Fulham and, despite winning the club's Player of the Season award, was particularly impressed by his defensive midfield position.

While Arsenal claim two of the most prolific strikers in the division, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, many fans and experts have questioned the merits of investing as much in at least one new winger.