Arsenal 'looking into £72m signing of Nicolas Pepe as club look to overhaul recruitment strategy'

Arsenal are reportedly investigating their £72m signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille last summer as officials attempt to overhaul their recruitment strategy.

The winger arrived at the Emirates with big expectations after the Gunners parted with the eye-watering sum for his signature in what remains a club-record fee, but he largely struggled throughout the campaign.

Officials are now looking to determine whether they overspent on the Ivory Coast star as they ramp up plans to improve their transfer operations in a bid to avoid making the same mistakes in the future, according to ESPN.

A number of scouts have left the club, including Francis Cagigao, Brian McDermott and Brian Clark, with the north Londoners being forced to let staff go amid financial difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

There is no feeling of regret at bringing Pepe to the club, the report adds, but the club are seeking to find out why they committed to splashing out so much when the hierarchy have been renowned for tight control over finances.

The 25-year-old had a huge list of suitors last year after sparkling 2018-19 campaign that saw him score 23 goals from midfield, but it's believed many of those interested parties were left staggered by the amount Arsenal ended up paying for him.

Arsenal have come under pressure after their decision to make 55 members of staff redundant amid issues around COVID-19, but have signed former Chelsea star Willian on wages of around £220,000, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also being lined up for a major new deal.

As a result, the Gunners will be keen to ensure they limit their spending and protect their funds during an uncertain period.

Pepe ended the season with eight goals and eight assists as he made improvements under new boss Mikel Arteta having struggled to adapt under his predecessor Unai Emery.

He started a total of 29 games across the campaign but initially struggled to show off his potential as he scored just one league goal in the first few months of the season.