As we all know, Nicolas Pépé, who used to be a target for the likes of Newcastle and such, has now started playing at another level, attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Gunners have been reportedly after the Ivory Coast international since September, with claims a €35m bid had been made, but Lille weren’t interested and they ensured their fans they would be keeping their new star until at least next summer.
The forward himself then discussed his situation, reassuring everyone that a January transfer wasn’t something he was looking for, and that’s where we left it.
That hasn’t stopped Arsenal from still wanting the forward, and Mercato365 on Sunday claimed the 23-year-old is a ‘priority’ for the Gunners.
They do reiterate that a January move seems like a long shot, meaning should a move be made, it’ll be next summer, ‘especially if Laurent Koscielny’s team qualify for the Champions League’.
While Pépé is a priority, he ‘isn’t the only player they are following’, but his profile is certainly one Unai Emery and co. like.
With nine goals (he scored again against Lyon at the weekend) and seven assists in 15 league games this season, he could be the kind of player that provides an extra spark in an already quite prolific side, showcasing their prowess in front of goal by beating Tottenham 4-2 on Sunday.
It’ll cost a lot, but if Pépé continues like this, it’ll be worth it.
