“The clubs contacted us directly after the summer market to find out the way forward.
"I hope he stays at least one more season.”
Pepe joined Lille last season from Angers and scored 13 goals and registered four assists in his debut season.
Lyon came close to signing the player this summer but instead decided to snap up Celtic’s Moussa Dembele.
Barcelona news: Barca are interested in Nicolas Pepe (Image: GETTY)
Barcelona news: Pepe wins a penalty against Amiens (Image: GETTY)
Since then, his impressive start to the season has seen Europe’s top clubs take a serious interest.
The player particularly caught the eye in a win over Amiens where he scored a hat-trick and won two penalties.
Barcelona are a club who regularly scout the French first division.
They snapped up winger Malcom from Bordeaux this summer.
Arsenal are keen to sign a wide player and Le10 Sport claim they are monitoring Pepe closely.
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Barcelona: Arsenal and Manchester United are also interest in Pepe (Image: GETTY)
The Gunners have managed to find a bit of form after Unai Emery has found a way to accommodate both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Emery’s side host Everton on Sunday as they look to build on wins against West Ham, Cardiff and Newcastle.
Reports from French outlet Telefoot suggest Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Pepe too.
Pepe could have ended up in England in January 2017 when Watford and Hull were prepared to pay around £8m for his services but they couldn’t agree a deal with Ligue 1 side Angers.