Arsenal manager Unai Emery has earmarked Lille star Nicolas Pepe as a potential replacement for Danny Welbeck, reports The Times.
Welbeck faces another long stint out injured after breaking his ankle at the start of the month and the England international has required surgery on two occasions already.
Emery is mindful about the club’s pursuit in the Premier League and the Europa League this season and will dip into the January transfer window if the price is right.
Pepe has been a revelation for a Lille side currently sitting in second and the Ivory Coast international has been integral to the club’s fine start to the season.
The 23-year-old is now on Arsenal’s radar but the Gunners could face competition from north London rivals Tottenham for the £27m-rated forward.
Pepe has played a direct hand in 13 goals in as many league appearances this season (eight goals, six assists), while only four players in Ligue 1 have garnered a higher WhoScored rating than the rising Lile star (7.60).
