According to L’Equipe, as cited by Metro, Arsenal are among four European clubs that have agreed an €80 million deal with LOSC Lille over the transfer of Nicolas Pepe. The list includes Premier League rivals Liverpool along with Serie A outfits Napoli and Inter Milan. It is now up to the winger, himself, to decide where he will end up in the upcoming season.
All three of Liverpool, Inter and Napoli seem like attractive suitors. But, in this article, we will discuss why Arsenal could be the most logical destination for Pepe as if he is to continue his development.
A chance to become Arsenal’s main winger
Pepe will instantly become Arsenal’s weapon-in-chief in the wide attacking position given the club’s lack of natural wingers. Indeed, the Gunners are still yet to find a proper replacement for Alexis Sanchez, following his departure from Emirates at the start of last year.
The LOSC Lille ace, in that regard, could revamp the Arsenal wing-department that boast the services of young and inexperienced players like Alex Iwobi, Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Becoming one of Arsenal’s chief creators essentially means Pepe won’t struggle with lack of game-time, which in turn, will be vital for the player’s long-term development.
Quality service in attack
Pepe almost single-handedly helped Lille finish second in the league last season, having been involved in 33 of the club’s 68 goals. But, at Arsenal, he will have more than adequate support in the final third that could help him become much more effective with his offensive forays.
Despite the departure of Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal have the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. They have also signed Dani Ceballos recently. And the Gunners could well become a force to be reckoned with if they do manage to secure the services of Pepe this summer.
Lack of Champions League football could be a blessing in disguise for Pepe
Pepe was one of Europe’s best attackers last season. And it’s almost needless to say that the Ivorian will be keen on taking part in the UEFA Champions League in this new season – something he will miss out on if he joins Arsenal this summer.
But at the same time, the lack of CL football will give Unai Emery with additional time to assess his new-look Arsenal squad. Besides, it will assert significantly less pressure on the players to perform at the highest level of football, giving Pepe much more freedom in his bid to settle into the Premier League.
Therefore, the Ivorian international should explore the possibility of joining the Gunners ahead of clubs like Liverpool, Napoli and Inter Milan this summer.
