Arsenal tracking £30m Lille ace Nicolas Pepe with Schalke and Lyon also circling

ARSENAL are keeping close tabs on Lille striker Nicolas Pepe, according to reports.

Le10 Sport claim that the Ligue 1 side value the 23-year-old at £30m.
And the Gunners, who have endured a mixed start to the season under new boss Unai Emery, are reportedly very keen on striking a deal for the talented forward.

Pepe attracted interest from Schalke in the summer transfer window, tabling a £20m bid - with add-ons included.

However, Lille had no interest in accepting this offer as it was £10m below their valuation.
Lyon were also close to striking a deal with Pepe - but the latter was not keen on the transfer.
However, the Ivorian may well be keen on a move to the Premier League - and in particular north London - in the near future.

The Gunners hierarchy have made it clear to Lille they are watching the player closely and plan to make a move should he continue to impress.

Should that happen though, other suitors could also come into the frame and Pepe's market value could increase.

Emery's men return to competitive action at Newcastle tomorrow, kick-off 3pm.