According to the Daily Trust, Arsenal are interested in signing Nicolas Pepe in January. The 23-year-old Ivorian currently plies his trade for LOSC Lille in the Ligue 1.
Pepe was brilliant for Lille last season with 13 goals and 4 assists and was one of the top performers in the Ligue 1. The youngster has hit the ground running this season as well, scoring one himself and setting up another three for his teammates.
Unai Emery brought in radical reinforcements in the summer transfer window, signing the likes of Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Sokratis. While the 19-year-old Guendouzi has been a regular starter and has impressed with his pressing role in the centre of the park, Torreira has started from the bench and makes an immediate impact when called upon. Although Arsenal have been poor at the back, Sokratis has been a standout performer.
The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have been quite good for Arsenal but both have been guilty of squandering numerous opportunities. Emery found it difficult to play with both strikers in the first few games but since then, he has adjusted his team dynamics.
With both Lacazette and Aubameyang in the starting line-up, Arsenal look a lot more menacing in the final third.
However, Ozil’s lack of form and his inability to adapt to Emery’s style of play continues to remain a concern for Arsenal. The German has been largely ineffective down the right side of the midfield and hasn’t quite been able to link up with his teammates.
When deployed as the central playmaker behind the striker, Ozil’s passes haven’t found their mark and he has been dispossessed off the ball way too easily by the opposition defenders. Aaron Ramsey has done a much better job as the new No.9 this season.
Alex Iwobi started the game against Chelsea but is yet to establish himself as a regular in the first-team picture. Despite scoring a goal this season, the Nigerian has struggled for consistency. On the other hand, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been a key member of the team down the right and has contributed with a goal and an assist so far.
Although Mkhitaryan has done well, Arsenal must bolster their squad further by signing Nicolas Pepe. The 23-year-old is one of the hottest young talents in the Ligue 1 and could be a valuable asset to Arsenal down the right flank.
A classic winger by trade, Pepe is also capable of playing as a right forward in a 4-3-3 formation. With quick feet and lightning pace, the Ivorian is capable of wreaking havoc down the right side of the midfield. He has some impressive tricks up his sleeve which allows him to weave his way past the defenders with pace.
Pepe not only has a keen eye for crosses from the wings but he also likes to cut inside and has the tendency to fire piledrivers from the edge of the box. Furthermore, he is not only adept at scoring goals but also contributes a great deal with assists as well.
Although he is not particularly good in the air and lacks defensive contribution, he can change the game with his flair, agility and athleticism. In fact, he might prove to be the perfect super sub for Arsenal.
At 23, Pepe has a lot of time to get better and his best years definitely lay ahead of him. That said, Arsenal should look to bring the talented youngster to the Emirates in January and enhance their squad depth.