Lille owner Gerard Lopez has stated that not even €100m would tempt him to sell Nicolas Pepe in the January transfer window.

The Ivorian international has been in superb form for the French club this season, but when asked if he would consider selling the winger, Lopez said:

“What if Barcelona gives me €100million to buy Pepe? He will not leave this winter. I want him to continue here, we want him to stay, he wants to stay.”

Reports in France have suggested that Arsenal are preparing a €40m (£36m) bid for Pepe. The Gunners are hoping to head off competition from rival clubs who could make an offer for the 23-year-old next summer.

The London club are also said to be proposing to loan back the Ivorian for the rest of the season in order for the transfer to go ahead. Losing their top goalscorer would certainly jeopardise their hopes of qualifying for Europe so whether such an arrangement would satisfy Lopez, it remains to be seen.

Lille are currently second in Ligue One, and could finish in the Champions League places this campaign after finishing 17th last season.