Arsenal ‘ready to launch’ for signing of Ligue 1 star – Face tough financial battle with another club

Nicolas Pépé had a standout campaign with Lille last season, managing 23 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

It helped him get a move to Arsenal last summer and the Gunners were successful in beating competition from Napoli for his signature.

In Pépé’s absence, Victor Osimhen has helped the Ligue 1 side with goals and the Nigeria international has 18 goals and six assists to his name across all competitions this season.

According to La Repubblica, Arsenal and Gennaro Gattuso’s side could go head-to-head for the second summer in a row, this time for Osimhen.

The newspaper’s report mainly focuses on how the Naples club are in a better financial situation than their Italian league rivals.

It’s claimed Aurelio De Laurentiis will be able to dictate the rules of summer transfers (both incoming and outgoings). Therefore, Napoli are ‘not frightened’ about competition from Arsenal for the Lille star.

La Repubblica believe the north London club will transform the negotiation for the forward into an auction as Mikel Arteta’s side are ‘ready to launch’ for his signing.

Lille value the player around €55m.

Having lost Pépé to the English club last summer, La Repubblica adds the outcome may be different this time around.

There’s every chance Arsenal are being used to pressure Napoli.