Arsenal have reported moved on from their attempts to sign Roma’s Cengiz Under after another bid was rejected, turning instead to Lille’s Nicolas Pepe.

Lille's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Lille (LOSC) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) on December 1, 2018 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villenueve d'Ascq. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP/Getty Images)
Lille’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Lille (LOSC) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) on December 1, 2018 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villenueve d’Ascq. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP/Getty Images)

Arsenal have been heavily linked with both players and while various figures have been reported when it comes to Arsenal’s Under bid, it seems they just haven’t met Roma’s asking price.

It was reported that the Italians would accept bids over €50m but Arsenal have, according to Sport Witness who have a better handle on the foreign press than most of the UK media, originally bid €32m before returning with another offer above that but below the €50m.

Needless to say, Roma weren’t impressed and said no.

As a result, Arsenal have reportedly turned back to Pepe at Lille who has stated he won’t be leaving in January.

Speaking in an interview with La Voix du Nord (via GFFN) Pepe confirmed that his plan is to stick around in Ligue 1 for the rest of the season and possibly even beyond.

“For me, I will certainly (be staying for the rest of the season),” Pepe said.

“As the president said, I have decided to finish this season at Lille, at the end of that, nothing is done. I am under contract until 2022. I want to finish this season with Lille and, why not, go after a European place, that would be wonderful.”

Lille are currently in second place in Ligue 1, though the teams behind them do have a game or two in hand each to catch up. Nonetheless, it’s certainly possible they’ll be up there fighting for a Champions League spot at the end of the season, and Pepe clearly wants to be part of that journey.

Arsenal were previously described as ‘leading the chase’ for the winger, with Lille reportedly willing to negotiate for €50m or more. Then this became €80m in an interview with sporting director Luis Campos, and now the player has been seemingly taken off the table altogether.

Monaco's Brazilian defender Jemerson (L) fights for the ball with Lille's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R)during the French L1 football match between Monaco and Lille at the 'Louis II Stadium' in Monaco on August 18, 2018. (Photo credit: VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)
Monaco’s Brazilian defender Jemerson (L) fights for the ball with Lille’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe (R)during the French L1 football match between Monaco and Lille at the ‘Louis II Stadium’ in Monaco on August 18, 2018. (Photo credit: VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

Even if Pepe did become available again for €80m, there are questions over whether the Ivory Coast international is even worth that much.

Regular followers of Ligue 1 suggest that despite the winger’s impressive goal output this campaign, with 12 goals and seven assists, his overall game could use some work. Those 12 goals also don’t look quite so impressive when you realise five of them were penalties.

That’s not to say Pepe hasn’t had some real moments of quality this season, but €80m-worth? Please…