Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille next summer.
The winger has been linked with a number of Europe's biggest clubs in recent weeks, with Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich having also been credited with an interest.
Barca are understood to see Pepe as a possible replacement for Ousmane Dembele, while Bayern are on the lookout for long-term replacements for Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
However, Mercato365 reports that Arsenal are currently leading the race for the 23-year-old's signature and could make an official approach at the end of the season.
The Gunners' hopes of beating their rivals to Pepe could rely on them securing Champions League football, though, having failed to finish in the top four in each of the past two seasons.
The Ivory Coast international has scored 10 goals in 16 Ligue 1 games for Lille this season.
Barney Corkhill
