Lille forward Nicolas Pepe’s agent appears to have shot down speculations Arsenal have made a £70million offer for the Ligue 1 star.
French media reported on Saturday that Lille had received a shock bid from the Gunners, with Arsenal manager Unai Emery desperate to sign a new forward this summer window.
A bid to sign Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has already failed and Arsenal supporters were sent into a frenzy at the report of a big offer for Pepe – who has also been linked with a move to Anfield.
However, Pepe’s agent, Samir Khiat, appeared to troll the claims by saying: ‘Oh, really?’ when reacting to L’Equipe’s claim they had confirmed the transfer story with the player’s team.
BBC Sport also claim there is no truth to the speculation, insisting the gunners do not have enough budget to complete such a big deal this summer window.
Nicolas Pepe is due to make a decision on his future in the coming weeks after the Ivory Coast international’s team were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations competition.
Only PSG forward Kylian Mbapppe (33) scored more goals in Ligue 1 than Pepe’s 22 strikes last campaign and his agent confirmed the forward had a number of suitors.
‘The aim is for him to sign in the right place. PSG is a possibility,’ Khiat told French TV.
‘Today, all parties need to reach an agreement. There are exchanges and discussions. He is wanted by a considerable number of clubs.
‘For him the most important thing is to be wanted and to go to a good club in which he will play and continue to progress.’
