Arsenal look set to complete the signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille after beating a host of clubs to his signature.
He was close to signing for Napoli - but reports in France have claimed he also had the chance to join Liverpool having been admired by Jurgen Klopp.
L'Equipe reported last week the Reds were amongst four clubs to have had proposals accepted by Lille for their star winger.
But a move to Anfield never got off the ground with Pepe now set to sign for Arsenal having already been pictured in a Gunners shirt.
According to Get French Football News , talks with the Reds never reached an advanced stage due to their inability to offer him consistent playing time.
With their front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah well-established, he would have faced a lack of starting opportunities and is much more inclined to immediately feature at the Emirates.
Pepe's ambition was to become a key player at a club a level above Lille, and becoming a crucial figure in Liverpool's attack looked to be out of reach at this stage.
He is believed to have been hours away from signing for Napoli before being convinced by Arsenal's project, with the help of agent Jorge Mendes.
The Gunners were also willing to meet the demands of his agents in terms of fees and commissions.
Pepe is believed to have undergone a medical on Tuesday and put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
His new side drew 1-1 with Angers in France on Wednesday night before winning a penalty shoot-out 4-3, whilst Liverpool disposed over Lyon 3-1 in their latest pre-season clash.
The Reds welcomed Salah and Firmino back into the fold, with the Brazilian striker bagging the equaliser after Memphis Depay had put Lyon ahead from the penalty spot early on.
