Arsenal could be set to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window amid links with Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.
One area in which most Gunners supporters would like to see bolstered in the new year is out wide, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has had to play from the left wing to accommodate Alexandre Lacazette in the same side.
This summer saw the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Lucas Vazquez and Kingsley Coman all linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium but not a single one managed to materialise.
But it would appear that head coach Unai Emery and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat are planning to change that when the transfer window reopens in the new year.
It was reported last month by L’Equipe – via the Daily Mirror – that the Gunners tracking Pepe who earned rave reviews last season for the Ligue 1 outfit as he netted 13 times in 36 games.
With the north London outfit going well in the league, could the addition of a winger allow them to end the season strongly?
Nicolas Pepe (Image: PHILIPPE HUGUEN / AFP)
Here’s all the information you need to know about the talented Ivory Coast international.
Who is he?
Pepe is a winger who has impressed ever since making the move to Lille from Angers in the 2017 summer transfer window.
Starting his career in the lower leagues of French football, the 23-year-old earned a transfer to Angers in 2013 and made his professional debut in November 2014, in a 1–1 Ligue 2 draw against Ajaccio and spent a year in the B team before being loaned out to US Orleans to aid his development.
Upon his return he was promoted to the senior team and scored three goals in 33 Ligue 1 appearances in the 2016/17 campaign.
His form that season earned him a first cap for the Ivory Coast as well as a move to Lille the following summer.
Signed for a reported €12m (£10m) that fee is beginning to look like somewhat of a bargain as Pepe’s stock has risen in just over a year at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy and he continues to get better.
Nicolas Pepe in action for Angers (Image: JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP/Getty Images)
Who wants him?
Before his switch to Lille, Pepe was linked with a move to the Premier League as Newcastle United were said to be interested.
Furthermore, France Football have claimed that that Southampton made a bid of £12.5 million in the summer, only for Christophe Galtier’s side to reject the offer immediately. So the winger has been on the radar of English clubs for a while.
According to L’Equipe – as reported by the Daily Mirror – the Gunners could face competition from Lyon, Sevilla and Real Betis for the 23-year-old when the transfer window reopens.
And in recent weeks, Barcelona, Manchester United and Everton have been touted as potential destinations for Pepe, meaning the Emery and Mislintat could very well have their work cut out trying to get this deal over the line.
With that said, news of the agreement with Adidas should give the club more clout in the transfer market next summer, compared to the restrictions they have been working to so far at the Emirates Stadium.
Nicolas Pepe (Image: NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)
How much would he cost?
If Lille ever decide to cash in on Pepe then they stand to make a huge profit.
While the would understandably like their star man to remain at the club for the foreseeable future, it may be prove difficult to do just that him if a big club comes calling within the next six to 12 months.
According to Barcelona-based publication Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness ), Lille will not accept any bids less than their €30m (£26m)valuation.
They claim that a bid of €30m would be enough to prise him away from the French club, although that price could well rise if a number of clubs make their move.
That fee should be in the Gunners’ price-tag and could raise funds by cashing in on Aaron Ramsey in January, but won’t want to be sucked into a bidding war until that Adidas money comes into effect.
Nicolas Pepe (Image: PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images)
What has he said about his future?
Despite links to the likes of Arsenal, Man United and Barcelona, Pepe has revealed he has no plans to leave Lille in the new year.
In an interview for Telefoot in France – as translated by Sport Witness – Pepe made it very clear he would be staying at Lille this season, replying “No, I’m not leaving” when asked about a January transfer.
So it would appear the aforementioned clubs – as well as any potential interested parties – may have to wait until next summer which would probably benefit the Ligue 1 outfit as they stands to earn a higher transfer fee.
What has been said about his future?
Lille owner Gerard Lopez has confirmed Barcelona’s interest in Pepe and is keen to hold on to the winger until the end of the season at the very least.
“It’s true. Several big clubs are interested in him,” Gerard Lopez said, via RMC Sport . “Some clubs have contacted us directly after the transfer window to know what the state of play is.
“I want him to stay until the end of the season as a minimum. We’ll certainly sell (players in January). We’re starting to have players who are not happy with their game time.
“If we can, we’re going to sell players who have good qualities but less game time. We’ve got five centre-backs, for example.”
Nicolas Pepe celebrates after scoring against Montpellier last season (Image: FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP/Getty Images)
What has his form been like this season?
Superb. He’s rubbing shoulders with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in terms of goals as well as assists in the top flight of French football.
He’s been involved in 10 goals so far – the third highest goal involvement across the entire division – scoring a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Amiens last month.
A huge reason why Lille are looking good for a Champions League spot, Pepe has impressed in big games against Marseille and Saint-Etienne of late and it’s no surprise he’s being linked with a big money move in the near future.
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