Arsenal have had some transfer encouragement as one of their top targets is guaranteed to go this summer.
Nicolas Pepe will leave Lille at the end of the season, according to the club's president.
Gunners boss Unai Emery is keen to bring him to north London but Bayern Munich have also made moves to push to the front of the queue.
Last month Arsenal were told they would have to part with a staggering €80million to sign the forward.
The French-born Ivorian is in high demand but his £68.7million price tag all-but ruled the Gunners out of the running.
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But demands may have been lowered if the latest comments are anything to go by.
Lille president Gerard Lopez told Telefoot he expects the player to move on.
"Four or five players will be leaving this summer,” he said.
“All clubs are forced to balance their accounts except perhaps one. I would say yes, it is sure he [Pepe] will leave.
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“He enters a price range that can no longer be paid. There is a career choice to make for him, I think he will have the choice."
The 23-year-old has caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs this season after scoring 19 Ligue 1 goals.
Pepe is only being denied in the top scorer charts by PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
It's much needed good news for Emery if stories coming out of Spain are correct.
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Arsenal look set to miss out on Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti, it is claimed.
Spanish newspaper Diario AS say Juventus are close to signing the centre-back.
Emery was very keen to being the 25-year-old to England, labelling him a ‘great player’ after the club were linked with a move.
Now he must turn his attention elsewhere as the search for defensive additions continues.
