Arsenal have not dropped their interest in Lille attacker Nicolas Pepe.

Indeed, Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Pepe, says Mundo Deportivo.

The Spanish news outlet named Arsenal as one of Barcelona's challengers to sign the Ivory Coast international, alongside Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

The Gunners have been in contact with Pepe's minders to make him aware they're scouting him this season.

Pepe rejected a bumper move to Lyon in August, as he favours leaving for abroad.