Arsenal Favoured Ahead Of Liverpool And Napoli In Battle For Pepe

Arsenal Favoured Ahead Of Liverpool And Napoli In Battle For Pepe

Arsenal have edged ahead in the race for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Italian journalist reported on his website that the Gunners have proposed a more attractive deal to the Ivorian international’s agent, meaning that other teams will have to improve the personal terms that they have offered.


Napoli, Liverpool and Inter Milan are believed to be the three other teams who are keen to sign Pepe.

Lille president Gerard Lopez revealed yesterday that four clubs have had bids accepted for the 24-year-old, one of which was from Napoli.

Considering the fee agreed was €80m (£72m), it would be a surprise if the Gunners are in the mix for Pepe. The London club have so far struggled to meet the asking prices for both Kieran Tierney and Wilfried Zaha.

However, they may have hidden away some extra cash just in case a top talent like the Ivorian became available. The winger is expected to make a decision on his future next week so watch this space.