The Times [£] are reporting that Arsenal will try to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille when the January transfer window opens.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for £27m-rated Nicolas Pepe ever since Danny Welbeck broke his ankle and now the Times, not known for being a gossip rag, are claiming the Gunners will indeed try to sign the player in January.

Pepe’s club have already dismissed reports that he will leave in the winter window while the player himself has admitted being flattered by the links.

With eight goals and five assists in 13 league appearances this season so far, the Times believe Arsenal have made Pepe one of their main targets for the January window.

“If there is a very good opportunity we are definitely going to consider, we will see,” Raul Sanllehi, the Arsenal director of football, said.

“Danny Welbeck’s injury alters, in a way, the views. It’s a good time to start analysing what options we have in the market. We are not closing the door but it’s still not the preferred one.

“I am not saying that’s a green light to go to the market but we have good players in the house also that may get further opportunities, like Eddie Nketiah for example.”