Welbeck absence could see Arsenal step up interest in £45m Ivorian

Danny Welbeck’s injury absence is going to force Arsenal boss Unai Emery into a January transfer window rethink, according to the Sun. 

Welbeck sustained a broken ankle in Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Sporting and he is expected to sit out the rest of the season after he undergoes surgery this weekend. 

His injury leaves Emery, who wasn't plannng on making any new signings in the New Year, short of attacking options and the Gunners boss is now expected to delve into the January market in a bid to strengthen his frontline. 

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Lille sensation Nicolas Pepe in the past and they could revive their interest in the New Year. 

The Ivorian, who failed to have a direct hand in a goal in Lille’s 0-0 draw with Strasbourg on Friday night, has been in fine form in France this term. 

A return of eight goals and have assists has contributed towards a WhoScored rating of 7.60, the fifth best in Ligue 1 this season. 

With Welbeck’s contract up at the end of the campaign, Arsenal will have needed to have made attacking additions before the summer, so his injury is likely to see the Gunners step up their £45m pursuit of Pepe. 

However, Arsenal, who are currently fighting on four fronts, face competition from Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in the race to land the 23-year-old Lille ace.