North London giants Arsenal have prioritised the signing of highly-rated Lille forward Nicolas Pepe ahead of the mid-season transfer market.
Nicolas Pepe is attracting interests of several European heavyweights following his sensational form for his French Ligue 1 side.
The Ivorian international star has emerged as one of the most lethal forwards on the European football scene.
The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals and five assists for Lille in all competitions this season.
Nicolas Pepe rose to prominence in the last campaign as he helped Lille escape relegation.
His goal contributions in the new season have propelled his team to the top three on the French Ligue 1 table.
Media outlet Mercato 365 via caughtoffside say that the Gunners have made him their no. 1 target ahead of the January transfer window.
Nicolas Pepe is expected to be an upgrade on the set of forwards in the Arsenal team except for the striking duo of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexander Lacazette.
Arsenal are in the market for a forward to replace the injured Danny Welbeck.
Welbeck will miss the rest of the season after he suffered a serious ankle injury shortly before the last international break.
The 27-year-old sustained the injury during the Europa League game with Sporting Lisbon.
