'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#5 Nicolas Pepe (Lille)
Nicolas Pepe is a 23-year-old right winger who plays for LOSC Lille in Ligue 1. He's currently the top scorer in the division with 12 goals. He also features for the Ivory Coast national team, and has made 10 appearances since November 2016, scoring three goals.
He's widely regarded as one of the next big things in football right now, possessing the speed and agility to pass virtually any defender, whip in a cross, and cause havoc in the opposition's penalty area. His ability is reflected in his price, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £36m as of December 2018.
What makes Nicolas Pepe so valuable right now is not just his ability out on the wing, but also the fact that he can be played as a centre-forward - a role in which he's just as dangerous.
He remains in constant development and progresses rapidly with each passing season. Pepe only joined Lille in the summer of 2017 for £9m, and yet his value has already risen by a staggering £27m in the time since.
Rumour probability: 7/10
The Sun have reported that Arsenal are locked in a fierce battle for Nicolas Pepe's signature, with Chelsea and Tottenham also prepared to make a move for the Ivorian when the transfer window opens. Arsenal are reportedly ready to pay around £45m for the star, £9m higher than his market value.
Pepe would serve as a long-term replacement for Danny Welbeck, who the Gunners are hoping to get rid of next month. He'd also provide some competition for their current strikers.
