Crystal Palace could form a deadly duo after being linked with Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What's the story?

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux (as relayed by SportWitness), the Eagles are one of three Premier League clubs interested in securing the 26-year-old’s signature, with Newcastle United and Everton also listed as potential suitors.

An enticing short-term loan move including an option to buy has been outlined as the most option given Pepe's recent struggles, meaning Palace chairman Steve Parish may have to act quickly in order to secure his target's signature.

Imagine him & Odsonne Edouard

The south London outfit have made a hugely encouraging start to life under new manager Patrick Vieira, but the Frenchman's squad rebuild is far from complete.

Following Andros Townsend's departure over the summer, Palace lack a natural option on the right-wing, with Jordan Ayew and Michael Olise both preferring to play through the middle.

Therefore, Vieira needs to acquire a player in the mould of Pepe over the next couple of transfer windows in order to continue his progression at Selhurst Park.

Despite failing to live up to the extremely high expectations that his club-record £72m price tag brought at Arsenal, the Ivory Coast international remains a talented player.

In 98 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, Pepe has found the back of the net on 25 occasions, laying on a further 18 assists for his teammates.

After bagging a brilliant brace via two outstanding free-kicks against Vitoria de Guimaraes in the Europa League, former manager Unai Emery labelled his efforts "perfect", highlighting just how dangerous he can be on his day.

And the prospect of Pepe linking up with one of Palace's new, exciting attacking talents under Vieira's tutelage is surely a mouth-watering prospect for everyone associated with the club.

Edouard has settled into life in the Premier League with ease following his switch from Celtic, notching up three goals in his first nine outings.

With the extra creativity and chance creation that Pepe would bring, that tally would surely increase exponentially in the second half of the season, should the Ivorian make the move across the capital.

And, in other news...Forget Gallagher: Palace monster who made 8 clearances was Vieira’s hero vs Burnley