Scout Report: Why Arsenal-bound Nicolas Pepe is the most wanted winger in Europe

Welcome to All Football Scouting Report, in here we will take you a closer look at world's promising stars. After a standout season in Ligue 1, Lille star Nicolas Pepe looks set to join Arsenal this summer with a mega-money deal. So why is he in demand?

Nicolas Pepe looks set to join Arsenal this summer with the Gunners reportedly agreeing a mega-money deal for the Lille winger.

The 24-year-old took Ligue 1 by storm last season, netting 22 times and providing 11 assists to catch the eye of several top clubs.

The Ligue 1 production line never stops. Every season several impressive young players flourish and eventually move on to one of European football’s biggest sides.

It runs like clockwork. In the summer of 2016 it was Ousmane Dembélé and Samuel Umtiti. In the summer of 2017 it was Bernardo Silva and Kylian Mbappé. In the summer of 2018 it was Malcom. And in the summer of 2019 it might very well be Nicolas Pépé.

Who is Nicolas Pepe?

The French-born Ivorian started his career in the lower leagues of French football before eventually earning a transfer to Angers in 2013.

His professional debut came in November 2014 – a 1-1 draw against Ajaccio in Ligue 2.

Pepe spent a year in the B team before he was loaned out to fellow French side US Orleans to aid his development.

When he returned to Angers, he became a first-team regular, making 33 Ligue 1 appearances in the 2016/17 campaign.

His performances grabbed the attention of the Ivory Coast’s selectors, who gave him his first international cap in November 2016, and Lille were keeping tabs on him, too.

Pepe signed a five-year deal with Lille in the summer of 2017 for a reported £10m fee.

Since then, he has gone from strength-to-strength, quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting players in France.

Why he's caught the eye

The first thing you’ll notice when watching Pépé in action is his directness. Every move he makes when in possession is forward-thinking.

The second is excellent close control which, when coupled with his pace, makes him a defender’s nightmare.

The pacy, left-footed winger proved he also has plenty of end product last season, scoring 22 times in Ligue 1 and racking up 11 assists as Lille finished second in the table behind Paris St-Germain. 

While nine of those goals came from the penalty spot, Pepe's trademark finish has become a left-foot finish after cutting in from the right wing.

The highlight of Pepe's season may well have been his goal and two assists in the 5-1 demolition of PSG in April and only PSG's Kylian Mbappe (33 goals) scored more than the Lille ace during that campaign.

(Pepe vs PSG)

He’s a quick, fluid mover with and without the ball, has great close control and the ability to create and take chances in equal measure.

Although used mainly out wide, his finishing ability suggests he could be effective as a central striker in the future. 

The timing of his runs to get behind defenders is excellent, and he keeps a cool head in one-on-one situations.

What are his weaknesses?

No player is infallible and Pépé is no different. One area he could undoubtedly improve is his right foot, which would make him more of an unpredictable threat.

And his directness can sometimes get the better of him. Occasionally he can attempt to speed up an attack and lose possession instead of playing a patient pass.

His defensive work will also be need to be honed when he moves on to a bigger club, especially if he joins a side who utilise a high press.

Both these are minor issues, however, that can be improved upon with experience and coaching. What is certain is that he has the tools required to succeed at the highest level.

Where would he fit in?

At Lille, Pepe has been at his best playing on the right side of the attack, where he can cut inside onto his left foot.

He is a forward-thinking player and his speed means he is also a huge threat on the break.

Arsenal already have pace in attack with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but adding Pepe could give them even more cutting edge.

To utilise both Aubameyang and Pepe, Unai Emery may turn to a 4-2-3-1 formation and play them either side of Alexandre Lacazette. That would leave room for Mesut Ozil in the middle and then two more defensive-minded players behind.

That's why Nicolas Pepe worth €80m