This article is part of Football FanCast's Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers...

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe joined the Gunners for a club-record £72m from Lille in the summer but his agent has revealed that he was "convinced" that he would move to Napoli instead.

What's the word?

The north London side smashed their transfer fee record to bring the winger to London, after previously spending £56m to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund in 2018.

Speaking with Radio Marste via Corriere dello Sport, Pepe's agent Mario Giuffredi said: “I was in Dimaro, convinced Napoli had got him.

"Unfortunately, however, other factors come into play and when we talk of commissions, Napoli are limited in certain operations."

Bad timing

With the Ivorian taking some time to bed into his new surroundings in north London, it's poor timing from Giuffredi to make such remarks while his client is under pressure to get up to speed.

Pepe has admitted that his confidence has been low since his move from France because of the level of skill required in the Premier League and the language barrier, per RMC (via the Metro).

Indeed, he has scored just one goal in 10 appearances for the London side, and that came from the penalty spot against Aston Villa.

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As quoted by the Telegraph, Arsenal boss Unai Emery told Pepe that he must embrace the pressure that the football club brings and that it is a privilege to play for the club.

Whether Pepe takes the feedback on board is another matter entirely, however.

The 24-year-old, though, will now be feeling the weight of his agent's words on his shoulders and supporters are unlikely to be happy either.

As it is right now, they may wish he had joined Napoli.