5 of the most in-demand youngsters in world football

#4 Nicolas Pépé (Lille OSC)

Arsenal have been closely linked with the Lille star

One of Ligue 1's hottest prospects, the 23-year-old has been untouchable so far this season. His dribbling, crossing, finishing, and set-plays dexterity have been key in Les Dogues (The Great Danes) push for a UEFA Champions League slot.

Playing on the right of Lille's 4-3-3 formation, he has become the go-to guy for a young side. Despite coming up against richer and traditionally stronger teams like PSG, AS Monaco, Olympique Lyonnais et al, Christian Galtier's men currently sit in 4th, 2 points behind second played Lyon.

A lot of this has been down to Pepe's stats of 8 goals and 5 assists in 14 games so far. Screamers, tap-ins, freekicks, penalties are just some of the goals he has gotten. This has expectedly led to him being linked to some of Europe's leading lights.

Arsenal is a club desperately in need of a player of his quality. The Gunners have been repeatedly linked to his services and may make a move for him in January. Bayern Munich has also repeatedly identified him as a potential successor to Arjen Robben's throne.