As per reports going on in the media, Ivorian international Nicolas Pepe is looking likely to leave Lille in the summer transfer window.
There are numerous clubs heavily linked with the African star and the real question is, who will be able to secure his signing?
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Earlier this month, Lille president Gerard Lopez revealed that Liverpool have held talks with the winger’s agent (RMC Sport).
Since then, there have been multiple twists in the transfer saga if reports in the media are anything to go by.
Media:
Recently, Gerard Lopez told La Voix du Nord (via Sky Sports) that Pepe’s future is almost decided and the president thinks that the attacker will leave.
Three days back, Football Insider revealed that Manchester United have agreed personal terms to hire the services of the 24-year-old star.
Yesterday, La Voix du Nord came up with a report and claimed that the likes of Napoli and three other clubs are close to reaching a global agreement to sign the Ligue 1 star, who is valued at around 80 million euros (£72million).
The French news source mentioned the likes of Man United and Inter Milan but did not state the name of the fourth club. A certain Italian outlet did.
CalcioNapoli24 talked about the article published by La Voix du Nord and made an interesting claim. The Italian news source stated that as per information verified by them, Liverpool, Napoli and two other clubs have reached a rough agreement to sign Pepe.
What will happen next? We shall see.
Pepe’s stats, playing position and situation at Anfield:
Pepe was one of the best players in France last season. He made 41 appearances in all competitions, scored 23 times and also provided 12 assists.
The Lille winger did take part in the recently concluded African Cup of Nations but he neither scored a goal nor provided any assist as Ivory Coast crashed out of the tournament in the last eight.
Pepe mainly plays on the right wing and at Anfield, we have star attacker Mohamed Salah as the first choice right winger. On the other hand, as far as the back-up option is concerned, we do have Swiss international Shaqiri, who did well as a super-sub in the last campaign.
Klopp does need a left winger because at the moment, there is no natural left winger to cover for Sadio Mane. Moreover, we should look to sign two fullbacks to cover for our left back Robertson (Moreno left) and right back Alexander-Arnold (Clyne out with a long term injury).
