Arsenal ‘advance talks’ over £72m Nicolas Pepe transfer as Napoli stumble over wages – The Sun

ARSENAL are close to agreeing a sensational £72million swoop for Lille star Nicolas Pepe, according to reports.

The Gunners are in "advanced negotiations" with the Ligue 1 side in a last-ditch attempt to hijack Napoli's move for the winger.

According to Sky Italia's Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have made a fresh offer to both Lille and Pepe, 24.

The Gunners are willing to meet the Ligue 1 outfit's valuation of the Ivorian.

And they have put a five-year contract on the table for the talented winger.

Napoli held positive talks with Pepe's camp yesterday with reports claiming the Italians had even agreed a deal with Lille.

But the Serie A giants reportedly failed to satisfy the Ivorian's financial demands.

And Arsenal are now believed to be in the driving seat to sign Pepe with Gunners chiefs just waiting for the player's final decision.

Napoli, however, have no intention to give up on the Ligue 1 sensation as talks are ongoing between all sides.

Pepe scored 23 goals and grabbed 12 assists in 41 appearances for Lille last season.

His arrival would cap off a magnificent week for the Gunners.

Arsenal unveiled Dani Ceballos and William Saliba as their new players on Thursday.

While they are also edging closer to agreeing a deal with Celtic over the transfer of Kieran Tierney.