According to a recent report by Telefoot, Arsenal weigh up a €50m offer for LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pepe ahead of a potential move during the winter transfer period. However, it is understood that the Gunners would face some serious competition from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in pursuit of the Ivory Coast international’s signature.
Pepe’s Recent Form Has Been Sensational
Pepe has been one of the breakout stars of the Ligue 1 this season after he put in some eye-catching displays at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy over the past few months. The 23-year-old wide man has featured in 13 matches for Lille this term, scoring eight goals while grabbing seven assists across multiple competitions.
Pepe’s Career In A Nutshell
The Ivory Coast speedster was born in Mantes-la-Jolie and started his football career with Poitiers FC before making a switch to SCO Angers B on a free transfer. He was soon promoted to their ‘A’ team in the summer of 2015.
Pepe has since had a season-long loan spell with US Orleans before establishing himself as a regular starter at Angers. His talents were soon spotted by the Lille chiefs who decided to secure his services last year.
What Will The Ivory Coast Talent Add To Emery’s Team?
The Lille attacker is blessed with excellent pace and is an effective dribbler with the ball at his feet. He also has a habit of scoring and setting up goals from wide areas as evidenced by his remarkable record this season. Pepe links up play immaculately in the opposition half but is also prone to giving away the ball cheaply which he needs to rectify. Moreover, he lacks the physical attributes required to stand the test of Premier League football.
Is He The Right Fit For The Gunners?
The addition of a player such as Pepe will undoubtedly bolster Unai Emery’s attacking options at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have already got some talented wide men in their ranks such as Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. However, the potential acquisition of an out and out winger like Pepe would improve their team significantly and add more competition for places within Emery’s squad.
The 23-year-old sensation may turn out to be a shrewd signing but he has still not proven himself at the highest level long enough to merit a €50m offer from the Gunners. Hence, the North London outfit should stay away and monitor his progress for now before jumping at the chance to sign him in January.
