Arsenal are reportedly now in pole position to beat their rivals Napoli to the signing of this in-demand star Nicolas Pepe, the Gunners have made the best offer to the winger’s representatives.
According to Sky Italia, Arsenal are leading the race to sign in-demand Lille star, the attacker is subject to offers from four of Europe’s biggest clubs, but his agent is pushing the ace to move to the Emirates as the north London side have made the best offer so far to the Ivorian’s representatives.
It is reported that the Gunners offered more than Napoli’s €3.5m agent fee and €500,000 bonus, the report also claim that Pepe’s team are holding out for €5m for their services and Arsenal have offered exactly what they want.
According to reports, Liverpool, Arsenal, Inter Milan and Napoli have all agreed £72m deals with Lille for Pepe, the decision is only on the player on where he’d like to play next campaign.
Pepe’s outstanding performances for Lille saw the club defy the odds and finish second in Ligue 1 last campaign, the 24-year-old also scored 22 league goals and provided 11 assists.
Napoli are still in the race for the forward after they had a meeting with Pépé’s agents – but the Italian club fear they might miss out on his signing to Arsenal.
Pepe showed his talents as a versatile attacker for Lille last campaign, he play as a central striker and as a winger, the ace’s ability to play up front will also be attractive to Emery as he eyes backup options to Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Arsenal are attempting to return to their former glory under Unai Emery in the coming years and the signing of Pepe would certainly catapult them into serious contention for Champions League qualification next campaign.
Pepe demonstrated that he also has the ability to lift the performances of the players around him with his impressive displays last campaign, Lille’s Rafael Leao and Jonathan Bamba flourished alongside him last season.
Emery will be hoping that Pepe can have that same effect on some of Arsenal’s stars if he moves to the Emirates Stadium.
