Manchester United offered Lille over €90m for Nicolas Pepe before Arsenal signed the winger, according to reports in France.

French outlet Le10Sport report that despite Pepe and Lille whittling down their options to a final choice between Arsenal and Napoli, there were other clubs that made major offers for the winger.

Manchester United made a verbal offer of over €90m, but their bid was conditional on the departure of Romelu Lukaku. With the Lukaku sale dragging on, United’s opportunity slipped through their fingers.

United moved on to Dybala and failed to sign him as well. They ended up not spending their Lukaku money on a forward.

Atletico Madrid were in a similar position. They offered over €80m for Pepe, but again they wanted to delay the deal for certain departures and other incomings.

In the end, Napoli and Arsenal made the final shortlist with their €80m bids. Pepe and his agents were given the choice of the two clubs, and they chose the Gunners.

It’s always encouraging to hear that your new signing was the subject of such intense interest from other clubs around Europe. Arsenal won the battle for Pepe’s signature, and hopefully, they’ll now reap the rewards.