Nicolas Pepe, the Ivory Coast winger, has been identified as a potential target and can move to Arsenal. With a price tag of €80 million or £72 million, he could break Arsenal’s transfer record the coming month.

Arsenal are leading chase for Nicolas Pepe but face lots of competition. Lille will negotiate in January if a club opens bidding at €50m. [L'Équipe]#afc pic.twitter.com/k2zhOSJ2mR

— Sash ~ (@ltarsenal) December 17, 2018

Nicolas Pepe plays in the Ligue 1, the top-tier league of France for a club called Lille. His performances have been backed by his numbers; he has scored 12 goals and also assisted 5 till now. Only PSG’s Kylian Mbappe has had more goals in his account.

Pepe should also be convinced to move to Arsenal under Unai Emery and as the gaffer, he admires Nicolas Pepe ever since he had played against him when Emery was at PSG. He could add the attacking flavour in the squad as Danny Welbeck’s injury could only mean his withdrawal from this season.

Lille’s manager Luis Campos thinks that even though a price of €40 million had been broached about Nicolas Pepe, his price could go up and continues to believe that it could come closer to twice of its named tag.

Campos said,

“€80million. But [any club] will also have to convince the player.”

Nicolas Pepe has also been instrumental to uplift his team(Lille) to the second position of the Ligue 1, a place below Thomas Tuchel’s PSG. With a lot of injuries piling up, many players are seated at the sidelines. It is imperative that a player as Pepe could be vital to Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

The Lille winger has 12 goals and 7 assists to his name in 19 matches. His origins are from Ivory Coast but he was born in France.

Unai Emery can be sure to expect a lot from this 22 year old. With Pierre-Emerick scoring goals and Alexandre Lacazette supporting him at front, Nicolas Pepe would be a value addition at the wings with his pace. He can help Lacazette by providing the delicate passes which could also play a major role in gaining possession of the ball.

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

Aaron Ramsey’s departure after this season could leave a hole in the midfield and Unai Emery has the chance to avert this situation by recruiting a talented, skilled player such as Nicolas Pepe. Not only can Pepe be used a winger, but also has the capability to play as a centre forward. This means that his versatility could play a major part in his game; he could also be a substitute for Aubameyang whenever the star striker is out due to injury or other reasons.

Arsena fans are hopeful for this transfer and majority of them will agree that Nicolas Pepe will be valuable addition to the team and could boost their chances in the Premier League.