Arsenal are preparing a January move for Lille star Nicolas Pepe after deciding they need to reinforce their attack following Danny Welbeck’s injury, according to The Times.
The England international got injured during Europa League group stage goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon at Emirates. He suffered a broken ankle, and underwent two surgeries and expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has given the green light to Arsenal’s move for Pepe. The Ivory Coast international has already scored eight goals and laid on five assists in 13 Ligue 1 games this season.
The Gunner’s director of football Raul Sanllehi has already hinted that Arsenal will dip into the market.
“If there is a very good opportunity we are definitely going to consider, we will see. ‘Danny Welbeck’s injury alters, in a way, the views. It’s a good time to start analysing what options we have in the market. We are not closing the door but it’s still not the preferred one. ‘I am not saying that’s a green light to go to the market but we have good players in the house also that may get further opportunities, like Eddie Nketiah for example.”
