Arsenal have reportedly found themselves as outsiders in the race to sign Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.
The Gunners are very likely to finish outside of the top four in the Premier League standings, and that will lead to Unai Emery making changes to his squad during the summer.
Pepe has been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, having enjoyed an excellent campaign in Ligue 1, but it appears that the North London outfit will not be able to follow up their interest.
According to France Football, Arsenal are not in a position to meet the £69m asking price which has been set by the French club.
The report adds that the two clubs remain in discussions, but Lille are confident that they will be able to receive a bigger fee from another top European side.
Manchester United and Liverpool are said to be among the sides who are monitoring the situation.
Darren Plant
