North London giants Arsenal have reportedly identified a replacement for injured forward Danny Welbeck ahead of the upcoming transfer window in the New Year.
The Gunners are keen to replace Welbeck in their squad after the England international player suffered a season-ending injury on Thursday night.
The former Sunderland and Manchester United star sustained a serious right ankle injury in the Gunners’ last game, a goalless draw at home to Portuguese Super League giants Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League.
The game was overshadowed by the injury to Welbeck who was stretchered off in the first half of the game.
Arsenal took their unbeaten run to fifteen games with the Sporting Lisbon result and also booked their spot in the first knockout stage of the Europa League.
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Welbeck has less than one year on his current Arsenal deal and he was being linked with a move away from the club during the next transfer window.
He was linked with a £10m move to London rivals Crystal Palace before his injury.
The unfortunate setback has led the Gunners to seek for a replacement for him.
According to the report from Eurosport, Arsenal have identified Lille forward Nicolas Pepe as his replacement.
The Ivorian international is rated at £45m according to the publication