Arsenal target Nicolas Pepe is guaranteed his Lille exit at the end of the season, according to the French club’s president.
The 23-year-old has caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs this season after scoring 19 Ligue 1 goals to help his club pull eight points clear in second place.
Possible TOTW Players: Week 31
— TOTW Watcher (@TOTWatcher) April 14, 2019
Nicholas Pepe – 1 Goal (5-1 Win VS PSG)
Jose Fonte – 1 Goal (5-1 Win VS PSG)
Vecino – 1 Goal (3-1 Win)
Debuchy – 2 Goals (3-0 Win)
(NOT OFFICIAL) pic.twitter.com/Pvotvu0vSG
Pepe netted again on Sunday night when Lille stunned runaway leaders PSG with a 5-1 demolition – the first time the Parisian side have conceded five goals in a league game since 2000.
United and Arsenal are among the sides credited with an interest in the right winger, along with PSG and Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich are looking forward to sign Nicolas Pepe this summer after sending scout to watch his level in Lille's game against PSG yesterday – He scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists vs Paris.
— Bayern mania (@Bayern_mania) April 15, 2019
[L'Equipe] pic.twitter.com/1s7eVhLKOQ
Lille president Gerard Lopez admitted that he will not be able to resist bids for the Ivory Coast international in the summer.
“Four or five players will be leaving this summer,” he told media.
“All clubs are forced to balance their accounts except perhaps one. I would say yes, it is sure he [Pepe] will leave.
vNicolas Pepe’s goal from Lille’s 5-1 trashing of PSG.
— Half-space (@SpaceHalf) April 15, 2019
– Great execution of the Up-back-Trough in a fast offensive involving Lille front 4
– 4 of Lille’s 5 goals came from fast transitions after ⚽️ recoveries
– J. Ikoné (20), PSG academy, bagged 2 assists.pic.twitter.com/euqaQWEkMp
“He enters a price range that can no longer be paid. There is a career choice to make for him, I think he will have the choice.”