Clubs to battle for Nicolas Pepe's signature

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Mar 19, 2019. 17:15

Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe is a man in demand with several of Europe's top clubs said to be chasing the attackers signature.

Pepe has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester United in recent months following a breakthrough season in the French Ligue 1 with second placed Lille.

The 23-year-old, who has scored 17 goals and assisted a further 10 in 29 league appearances this season, has revealed that he came close to joining Lyon ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

"No, I did not hesitate. At the beginning of the season, I had an important discussion with the coach [Christophe Galtier] where I gave him my word that I was going to stay one more season,” Pepe told Canal+.

“I am someone who stays true to his word and I kept this commitment despite the offer of Olympique Lyonnais, which I declined.

Lille will reportedly demand a figure of €50 million from any club interested in landing the attacker at the end of the season.