Liverpool are linked with Lille star Nicolas Pepe and a claim made by a renowned journalist seems very positive for the Merseysiders.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport’s journalist Nicolo Schira, Liverpool want to sign the Ivorian international and for that Jurgen Klopp has offered a fee of 80 million euros (£71million) to the French club.
Transfer report – Signing £62million star could be Liverpool’s next triumph
Furthermore, Schira claimed that the Reds have offered a 5 year deal (until 2024) worth 15 million euros (£13million) to the player (3 million euros + bonuses per year)
What’s going on in France:
Last month, France Football featured a story in their magazine and claimed that Liverpool are interested in signing the highly rated African attacker.
Few days back, renowned French source L’Equipe claimed that the Reds seem to have stepped up their interest in luring Pepe and they have come close to matching Lille’s 80 million euros asking price.
Three hours after Schira’s tweet, RMC Sport journalist, Mohamed Bouhafsi tweeted that the Anfield club are well placed to sign the 24-year-old winger.
So, if reports in France are anything to go by then it seems that the European champions are seriously looking to lure the Ligue 1 attacker.
Stats and Liverpool’s attack:
Pepe started 37 league games for Lille in the last campaign and helped them finish second in the table by directly contributing in 33 goals (22 goals and 11 assists) (Transfermarkt)
So far, he has made 11 appearances for the senior national side and scored 4 goals (Transfermarkt)
In the last PL campaign, Liverpool scored 89 goals, only 6 fewer than top scorers Manchester City. Out of 89, 56 goals were scored by Mane (22), Salah (22) and Firmino (12). So, we have got a lot of quality in our starting XI in the attacking third.
However, as far as the back-up options are concerned, we have Shaqiri, signed from a relegated Stoke City side, as the second choice right winger. Origi, who started 7 games in all competitions last term, is our second choice striker.
On the other hand, there is no natural left winger to cover for Sadio Mane. Therefore, the attacking depth should be improved. Will Pepe end up moving to Anfield? Only time will tell.
