Arsenal boss Unai Emery provides surprise update on Nicolas Pepe transfer pursuit

Unai Emery has played down Arsenal’s transfer pursuit of Nicolas Pepe saying the forward is merely a player the club are following. The Ivory Coast international has been considered as an alternative to Wilfried Zaha and reportedly agreed on a £72million transfer fee with Lille for Pepe.  However, Emery has poured cool water on it. Speaking after Arsenal's friendly with French side Angers, which finished 1-1, Emery said: "[Pepe] played here in Angers a few years ago, and then in Lille. He has progressed as a player. We are speaking about a lot of players, we want to select on players who can really help us, give us big performances and improve our squad. We have different options. This one at the moment is not closed, but he is one we are following."

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