Arsenal FC: 3 ways the Gunners could line up with Nicolas Pepe

24-year-old Nicolas Pepe garnered loads of interest after an amazing season with Eden Hazard's former club Lille in the French Ligue 1. At the end of the 2017-18 season, Pepe had scored 13 goals for his team, successfully partaking in keeping the team just above the relegation zone.

Last season, however, the Ivorian contributed to 33 goals, catapulting LOSC Lille to a shocking 2nd place position, right behind Paris Saint-Germain. Those contributions include 22 goals, making Pepe the first player to score more than 20 goals for Lille after Eden Hazard in 2012.

It isn't so shocking that clubs have lined up for the 24-year-old's signature in recent weeks. However, Arsenal have won the race to bring Pepe into the Premier League for a mouth-watering €80 million, a North London record fee, and an announcement could be made regarding his arrival any day now.

While the pacey winger is versatile and capable of playing almost anywhere in the final third, Lille has used him solely in a right-wing-forward position. This allows Pepe to play freely as an inside forward, cutting in, dribbling past defenders, and making the assist or taking a shot at goal with his powerful left foot.

The Ivorian may have scored 22 goals, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have an eye for a pass. Rather unselfishly, he assisted 11 goals last season, making nearly 2 key passes per game.

His record-fee move to Arsenal translates to one thing: He's undoubtedly going to be in the starting XI. So let's take a look at three ways Unai Emery can set up his team while ensuring Pepe is used as efficiently and effectively as possible.

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#3 4-3-3 Formation

Arsenal could play 4-3-3 and keep Pepe in his natural position.

This formation promises fluidity while keeping several players in their most potent positions. Alexandre Lacazette would feature as the centre-forward, flanked by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the left-wing and Pepe on the right.

This places Pepe in his most primal position as a wing-forward, with plenty of space to attack down the right flank and cut in at opportune moments. While this is set to bring in a flood of goals and other important contributions to the attack, the same cannot be said for Arsenal's left-wing.

Aubameyang, while capable of playing on the flank, has had his plethora of chances as a centre-forward instead. His connection with Lacazette when they both sit in that centre position has brought a lot of goals and assists.

Emery would need to decide if playing Pepe in his natural wing-forward position is more important than continuing with Arsenal's best striking duo this decade.

#2 4-2-3-1 Formation

Arsenal could play a 4-2-3-1 formation that brings out the midfield's best.

In a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation, Pepe can play in his natural wing-forward position or as a right midfielder, shifting between both duties based on Arsenal's style of play.

In this position, he would have the freedom to cut inside deep within the final third, drift into narrow spaces during counter-attacks, or perform as an old-school winger, pacing down the flanks to deliver crosses. The surrounding midfield, along with a marauding full-back will give him options in possession, allowing him to draw defenders from their positions with his dribbles and open up space for other players to enter.

Unai Emery may also make use of Pepe as a raumdeuter, who quietly drifts into open spaces on the right flank without a reaction from the opposition defence. His top dribbling skills will enable him pace towards goal, almost unmarked, the moment he gets the ball.

In essence, 4-2-3-1 will give Pepe time on the ball, unmarked opportunities off the ball, and passing options all around him.

#1 4-4-2 Formation

Arsenal could lineup in a 4-4-2 formation.

Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have formed one of the most potent striking partnerships in the Premier League. The duo has been unstoppable and have torn through defences, team after team.

Emery fielded the two strikers in what many saw as Arsenal's strongest formation last season: 3-5-2. However, it is unlikely that such a formation would be used this season - or next, really - if Arsenal intends to play with their record signing's strengths in his main position.

While wingers do exist in the five-midfielder formation, they must be attack-minded as well as defence-focused. One of Nicolas Pepe's weaknesses is his inability to aid his team in defence. While that's not much of a problem in a fluid attacking team, it poses as a major obstacle if Pepe is the only player on the right-wing and cannot fall back to help out.

Therefore, the best formation Arsenal would have is 4-4-2. Not only does it complement Pepe's positions effectively, but it is also capable of switching to 4-2-4 during sudden counter-attacks and 4-2-3-1 in possession spells.

With 4-4-2, Pepe doesn't need to fall back in defence. Lacazette and Aubameyang can receive long balls and they would have an efficient wing-forward in Pepe who can open up an unprepared defence with his pace.