Arsenal priced out of the race for Nicolas Pepe?

Arsenal have reportedly ended their interest in signing Nicolas Pepe from Lille after being priced out of the attacker's services.

The north London side have been regularly linked with the Ivorian over the course of the season, but it appears that the club won't follow up their interest ahead of the summer.

According to France Football, the Gunners are presently not in a position to meet the player's £69m asking price, considering they are working on a tight budget for the summer.

It is added that the Gunners are in contact with Lille but the French club are confident that they can find suitors across Europe, who are willing to match their price tag.

Aside from United, the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked with the attacker and the former are said to be desperate to enhance their creativity in the frontline.

Pepe has enjoyed a standout season with Lille in the French top-flight and he has contributed 20 goals and 11 assists to help them close on a Champions League spot for next term.