Nicolas Pepe rejected Liverpool to join Arsenal

Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe reportedly turned down the chance to join Liverpool ahead of Arsenal, given the lack of assurances over regular gametime.

The Gunners recently completed the signing of the 24-year-old on a club-record deal from Lille and the attacker is expected to make his debut during the Premier League opener against Newcastle United.

According to Get French Football News, Pepe had the opportunity to join the European champions this summer, but rejected their advances due to concerns over the playing time.

With Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino occupying the Reds' frontline, Jurgen Klopp's side were said to be unable to provide the guarantee that he would be a starter for the new season.

Pepe, who has become the fourth most expensive recruit in Premier League history, contributed 22 goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1 last season where Lille finished runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain.

Pepe, who generally plys his trade on the right wing, could make his non-competitive debut for the Gunners when they face Barcelona in their final pre-season game on Sunday.