On December 20th, we relayed news from Italy that AS Roma have rejected Arsenal’s €32m bid for Cengiz Under and the Serie A outfit’s owner James Pallotta is demanding ‘at least’ €50m to sanction his sale.
Italian website Tutto Mercato Web has another update on the Turkey international and it is mentioned the Gunners had ‘raised the stakes’ for the 21-year-old, a new bid which was also knocked back by the Giallorossi.
It is once mentioned that Eusebio Di Francesco’s side are demanding €50m for the winger, which means the north London club’s offer for the Roma player was above €32m and below the minimum asking price.
After the latest disappointment in the chase for Under, TMW reports that Arsenal have turned their attention towards Nicolas Pepe of Lille.
The 23-year-old has impressed in the Ligue 1 this term, scoring 12 goals and registering five assists.
In addition to this, the Ivory Coast international can play as a winger or upfront and it’s claimed Unai Emery’s side have already tabled an offer of €50m plus bonuses.
It seems unlikely that Arsenal have offered so much for Pepe right now, and it was the same situation when the new Under offer was first claimed.