With the January transfer window edging closer, Arsenal are still seemingly in need of a winger, so let’s have a look at the six players reportedly on their shortlist.

2Nicolas Pepe

Lille's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Amiens and Lille at the Licorne stadium in Amiens, northern France, on August 26, 2018. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP/Getty Images)
Lille’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Amiens and Lille at the Licorne stadium in Amiens, northern France, on August 26, 2018. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP / Getty Images)
  • Age: 23
  • Position: Right Winger
  • Contract until: 2022
  • Club: LOSC Lille
  • Estimated transfer value: £22.5m

The media have linked Pepe to Arsenal pretty heavily in recent weeks and months. Those links have only got stronger since the season got underway, with the winger scoring eight goals, providing six assists and winning multiple penalties for his side as well, in 15 appearances so far.

With Danny Welbeck’s injury, Arsenal are reportedly being forced to ‘rethink’ their January transfer plans, and they could move for Pepe sooner rather than later. The player himself recently admitted it was ‘good’ to be linked to the likes of the Gunners, Bayern and Dortmund.

The spanner in the works is that Pepe’s incredible start to the season has made his club very hesitant to sell. Lille president Gerard Lopez and vice-president Marc Ingla have both spoken publicly to say that, in principle, they don’t want to sell before the summer.

We’ll see if Arsenal can change their minds but, for now, let’s look at some alternative options.

Click ‘Next’ for more Arsenal-linked wingers ahead of the January window