Manchester United to pay €20 million + Romelu Lukaku for Paulo Dybala, Inter make fresh offer for Lukaku and more Serie A Transfer Rumours, 30 July 2019

Napoli concede defeat to Arsenal over Nicolas Pepe transfer

Nicolas Pepe would join Arsenal instead of Napoli

The Ivorian sensation has been linked with numerous top clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Napoli since making an impressive spell at Lille. Pepe amassed 22 goals and 11 assists last season. He became Ligue 1's second-best goalscorer behind only Kylian Mbappe.

Lille President Gerard Lopez previously revealed that Liverpool have spoken to the player over a potential move to Anfield. On the other hand, Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis has confirmed that the Italian club could consider Pepe as an alternative to Real Madrid star James Rodriguez.

However, Arsenal are now set to become the winner of the race. Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti has also admitted his side's defeat to Arsenal over Pepe transfer.

“I don’t like talking about players from other teams, but I can tell you that I’m not disappointed,” said the former Real Madrid boss.

“There’s still a long way to go in the window. We have other very good players still on holidays, such as Allan, Koulibaly and Fabian Ruiz.

“We’re certainly looking for players, and if there are opportunities, we’ll seize them.”