Here is how Arsenal could lineup with Nicolas Pepe in the starting eleven.
In an eventful day, Arsenal have agreed to pay €80 million for Lille’s attacker Nicolas Pepe. The transfer is set to be wrapped up in the upcoming days, says David Ornstein.
Arsenal have reached an agreement with Lille to sign Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe for ~€80m, paid by instalments to fit #AFC budget. 5yr deal, agent agreement still needed but set to be closed in next 24/48hrs. Napoli also have agreement with #LOSC but agent rejected proposal
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) July 27, 2019
The Ivory Coast International, who featured for the French outfit over two years, had a breakthrough season with stupendous figures. He bagged 23 goals and 12 assists in 41 games for Lille, thereby enticing interest from a host of European clubs. The Gunners had to shrug off the interest from Napoli to land their long-term target.
Nicolas Pepe is primarily a right-winger, but has the ability to play through the centre as well. The 24-year-old has breakneck pace and can supremely link up with the likes of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the frontline. Besides having pace, his output in the final third is being admired by the former PSG manager.
After quiet days, Arsenal have recovered well in the transfer market. Dani Ceballos and Gabriel Martinelli will be integrated with the squad, whereas, William Saliba has been loaned back to Saint-Etienne after penning a five-year deal. Adding Nicolas Pepe to this roster, Unai Emery has a great chance of finishing in the top four.
Should the deal go through without hindrance, here’s Arsenal’s strongest lineup without consideration of injuries.
ARSENAL PREDICTED ELEVEN
XI: Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Rob Holding, Sead Kolasinac, Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira, Dani Ceballos, Nicolas Pepe, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette.
