Napoli ‘still in for Pepe’

Napoli have reportedly increased their contract offer to Nicolas Pepe as they still look to beat Arsenal to the Lille winger.

Arsenal appeared to have won the race for Pepe, agreeing an €80m fee with Lille and matching the player’s demands.

Napoli, on the other hand, were said to have been put off by the commission requested by the Ivorian’s representatives.

Napoli have reportedly increased their contract offer to Nicolas Pepe as they still look to beat Arsenal to the Lille winger.

Arsenal appeared to have won the race for Pepe, agreeing an €80m fee with Lille and matching the player’s demands.

Napoli, on the other hand, were said to have been put off by the commission requested by the Ivorian’s representatives.

However, La Repubblica claims Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti brought ‘tranquillity’ to the situation by calling the 24-year-old, who expressed ‘enthusiasm’ over playing Champions League football under the Coach.

Furthermore, Gazzetta dello Sport expects the Partenopei to increase their salary offer to ‘around €5m’.

For a deal to happen, Lille would prefer only cash and negotiations for Adam Ounas to be separate.