Arsenal 'to launch Nicolas Pepe bid'

Arsenal will reportedly make a move for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe in the January transfer window.

Pepe has scored eight times and provided seven assists in 13 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille this season.

The 23-year-old has a contract with his French club until the end of the 2021-22 campaign, but speculation surrounding his future has gathered pace in recent weeks.

Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest, but according to The Times, Arsenal are in the driving seat as they line up a January bid.

The report claims that Danny Welbeck's long-term ankle injury will force the Gunners into the winter market, with versatile attacker Pepe a £27m transfer target.

Pepe has netted 22 times and registered 12 assists in his 52 appearances for Lille since moving to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy from Angers in June 2017.