Ancelotti ´not disappointed´ after seemingly missing out on Pepe to Arsenal

Carlo Ancelotti insists he is “not disappointed” after media reports began to indicate Napoli have missed out on Lille winger Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal.

Ivory Coast international Pepe scored 22 goals in Ligue 1 last term, subsequently emerging as one of the hottest properties in French football.

Pepe has been linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

Napoli and Arsenal appeared to be leading the chase, but speculation on Saturday suggested the Gunners had all but wrapped up a £72million deal.

Excellent team work today against Liverpool. Great incentive to continue our Pre-season preparation.

Eccellente lavoro di squadra contro il Liverpool. Grande vittoria per continuare la nostra preparazione. #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/8jbtBBpC7A

— Carlo Ancelotti (@MrAncelotti) July 28, 2019

And after beating Liverpool 3-0 in a friendly on Sunday, head coach Ancelotti seemed to accept Napoli have missed out on the forward.

“I don’t like to talk about players of other teams, but I’m not disappointed,” Ancelotti told reporters when asked about Arsenal’s apparent success in landing Pepe.

“We have some players like Allan, [Kalidou] Koulibaly and Fabian Ruiz who are still on holiday. We are definitely looking for players.

“The transfer window is so long. We are looking [at signings]. If there are opportunities, we will look to seize those chances.”