Former Arsenal star Robert Pires believes the Gunners should be aiming to sign Lille winger Nicolas Pepe at the end of the season.

The Ivorian international has been in superb form for the Ligue One side this campaign and will be in high demand this summer.

Pires thinks Arsenal need to show their level of ambition by securing players like Pepe, but he believes the 23-year-old will only move to the Emirates if they finish in the top four:

“Pepe would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, but they’re going to have to pay big money to secure him. He’s building up a lot of interest as he’s playing so well and lots of clubs will be in for him this summer so I can’t see him going for cheap.

“These are the type of signings Arsenal need to make to propel them back up the table, but I think they will miss their chance if they don’t secure a Champions League spot this season. Pepe is a Champions League player and will want to play for a club that’s in the tournament.”

The cost of the transfer could also be a major obstacle for the Gunners. Lille coach Luis Campos has suggested that the French club could hold out for as much as €80m (£69m).

With that being the case, it remains to be seen whether Pepe is a realistic signing.  It has been reported that the London club will have a limited transfer budget in the summer.

However, reports in multiple countries have linked Arsenal with a whole host of high profile players which doesn’t suggest the club are tightening the purse strings.