The agent of Nicolas Pepe has revealed how the winger almost didn't join Arsenal this summer.

Pepe was on the verge of leaving Lille for Napoli before the Gunners broke their transfer record by paying £72m for his signature.

Relayed by Corriere dello Sport, Mario Giuffredi 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".