Arsenal hit dead rock in pursuit of highly rated Ivorian star

English Premier League outfit Arsenal have been dealt a big blow in their pursuit of French Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille star Nicolas Pepe ahead of the transfer window which reopens in coming weeks.

Reports claim that the French side are not willing to release the star player anymore as they wish to retain the service of the Ivory Coast international.

Football news website Calciomercato.com reports that Lille president is not ready to shift his stand in his latest claim after stating that he would reject over a £100 million for the star player.

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This development remains a big blow to the North London side as they are keen on the star player who would have served as a replacement for England international Danny Welbeck who is out on injury and might not return back to the club.

Nicolas Pepe has been in great form so far this season having scored 12 goals and 5 assists in the 18 Ligue 1 games under his belt this season.

Meanwhile, the Gunners boss is keen on a top four finish this season so as to secure a space in the Champions League next season as well as win a title in his first season as Arsenal’s manager.