Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign in-form Lille winger Nicolas Pepe when the transfer window reopens next month.
The Gunners started the season with three senior marksmen in the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck.
However they have recently suffered a setback with the latter ruled out for the rest of the campaign after a double surgery on a serious ankle problem.
As such, the north London side have been regularly tipped to pursue a new frontman at the turn of the year and according to BeIN Sports‘ Matt Spiro, the Gunners are said to be heading the queue to lure Pepe from Stade Pierre-Mauroy next month.
Arsenal leading chase for Nicolas Pepe but lots of competition emerging. L’Equipe this morning suggest Lille will negotiate in January if a club opens bidding at €50m. But owner has previously stated he won’t sell mid season
— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) December 17, 2018
The 23-year-old has been Lille’s breakout start during the course of the ongoing campaign and his tally of 12 goals and five assists have been hugely influential towards the French side’s surprise charge to the second spot in Ligue 1 after 18 games.
In this period, he has impressed with his turn of pace to beat defenders before finding the scoresheet and besides this, he has also excelled with the distribution which has contributed towards goals for his teammates as well.
Nonetheless, the Gunners may consider against making a move for Pepe mid-season, given the Ivorian’s steep valuation of around €50m which may prove a stumbling block, judging by the club’s transfer policy since the summer.
The hierarchy only spent above £70m on five players during the summer period and it would come as a huge surprise, if they is further money spend on the frontline with the defence being the main concern for the Gunners this term.
Once more, there has not been much improvement in terms of the defensive record this campaign and the focus may lie on strengthening the central defence with Rob Holding now sidelined for the rest of the campaign with a serious knee injury.
