Nicolas Pepe could become Arsenal’s next Robert Pires

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Arsenal are reportedly taking a look at Nicolas Pepe as the January transfer window draws closer (The Times).

The Lille winger has seen his stock soar after a brilliant start to the 2018/19 season over in Ligue 1, scoring eight goals and making five assists so far.

Ivorian Pepe has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in French football at the moment, which will no doubt excite many an Arsenal supporter.

It would be a big coup for the Gunners if they were able to beat the likes of Barcelona (whom Sport report are also interested) to the player, who would cost in the region of £27 million.

Unai Emery has sounded Pepe out as a replacement for the injured Danny Welbeck.

The Englishman is out for the foreseeable after undergoing two different surgeries on a broken ankle.

Pepe the modern day Pires?

Arsenal signing Pepe would potentially land them a modern-day Robert Pires.

The pair are quite similar in physical stature, and Pepe plays in similar positions to the former Invincible.

Pires was known for his flair and exciting dribbling, while Pepe has been making waves over in France for the exact same thing.

Pires spent six seasons with the Gunners from 2000-2006 and certainly left his mark on the club, winning two league titles, two FA Cups and making the PFA Team of the Year three times.

At the peak of his powers, Pires was a total nightmare for defenders to have to deal with.

His unpredictability being a right-footed left winger made him one of the best in the world in the early 2000s, and Pepe has the potential to play in a similar way to the Arsenal legend, only from the opposite flank being left-footed.