Agent Explains How Close Arsenal Came To Losing Pepe

Nicolas Pepe joined Arsenal earlier this summer. However, the player was desperately close to having this move failed.

Napoli were competing against the Gunners and had even matched the transfer fee for Pepe. But eventually, the Serie A outfit could not follow through with their offer and let Arsenal pick him up for £72m last summer.

Pepe’s agent explained how close Unai Emery was to losing out on Pepe. Relayed by Corriere dello Sport, he said, “I was in Dimaro, convinced Napoli had got him.

“Unfortunately, however, other factors come into play and when we talk of commissions, Napoli are limited in certain operations. Then the agents have also made their interests.”

Pepe is still adjusting to the new environment at the Emirates and has registered only 1 goal for his new club. The Ivory Coast international struck the back of the net for his country in the 3-1 win over Congo on Sunday.

I am sure that Pepe is an amazing player,” he said. “A lot of players when they came here, the first month, the first year is not easy for them. But I am going to work with him, to make it easier for Pepe and Dani Ceballos and other players, and carry on, being together and be strong.

“He is playing well but progressively we know there is going to be more from him to help us and I want him to take the last step quickly in adapting for us.”