Unai Emery says Arsenal are continuing to work on a deal for "very good" Nicolas Pepe, as the Ivorian edges closer to a club record £72million switch from Lille.
The Gunners achieved a major breakthrough in negotiations for Pepe over the weekend, and jumped to the head of a queue that had previously seen Napoli as the overwhelming favourites to sign the wide man.
Speaking after Arsenal lost 2-1 to Lyon in the Emirates Cup , Emery said: “We are working with the club and also thinking how we can improve.
“They have different players on the table with the possibility we can achieve their signature.
"And Pepe is a very good player, and also we are thinking only players of who really really improve this squad and also give us some different conditions for improvement.
“And the same, we are working for the last few weeks and before the season starts, with the first match in Newcastle , to get the best team with the best players in our squad.”
Elaborating on the desire to improve his team in other areas, Emery said: “From the beginning we were thinking to sign players but only if we can really improve in this position.
"One centre-back, one full-back and one winger. We are going to do that and are thinking the same [now].
“Really I want a team better than last year with players who can add to us this season. We have a very good team. [We only want] players who can improve the squad.”
Meanwhile Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti is refusing to be too downhearted over seemingly missing out on Pepe's signature.
Speaking after his side beat Liverpool 3-0 in a friendly in Edinburgh, the Italian said: ""I'm not disappointed.
"I don't like to talk about players of other teams. The market is so long. We are looking. If there are opportunities, we can do it."
