Recall that the North London club had identified Pepe as Welbeck’s replacement.
Welbeck suffered a “career-ending” injury during Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League encounter earlier this month.
The England international landed awkwardly after leaping in the air to meet a cross just after the half hour mark against Sporting, and needed oxygen before being stretchered off the pitch
According to The Times, Emery has given the green light to Arsenal’s move for Pepe.
The report claimed the 23-year-old would command a fee of around £27million, but Arsenal will have to rival Tottenham Hotspur who are also interested in the Ivory Coast international.
Pepe has scored eight goals and provided five assists so far in his thirteen Ligue 1 matches for Lille this term.
