Barcelona linked with Nicolas Pepe
Barcelona could be in for a busy transfer this winter.
The reports in Spain suggested that Barcelona are linked with Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.
The 23-year-old has been subject to interest from various European clubs.
The Ivory Coast international joined Lille from Angers for a fee in the region of 10 million euros in July 2017. His contract expires in the summer of 2022.
Since his arrival from Angers, Pepe has scored 24 goals and provided 12 assists in 55 games for Lille, including 10 goals and 7 assists in 17 games in all competitions this season.
He’s incredibly experienced for a 23-year-old and still has tons of room for growth.
Pepe has also scored 3 goals in 10 games for his country.
His performances have seen him become the target of many European clubs including Barcelona.
The Barcelona manager has been impressed by his performances this season and could make a move this winter.
Ernesto Valverde will reportedly be handed a huge transfer kitty this winter and the Lille winger is thought to be among the manager’s priorities.
According to Football Espana, “Barcelona are one of a number of club’s keeping tabs on in-demand Lille winger Nicolas Pepe, according to reports in France. The French-born Ivorian has starred this year for the Ligue 1 side and a report in Mercato 365 speaks of Barca’s interest, alongside that of Arsenal and Bayern Munich.”
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Lille would be wise to keep the Ivory Coast international, but if they do let him go expect it to be for a hefty sum.
Signing the 23-year-old would be a masterstroke from Valverde.
Stylistically, he would be a great fit in Barcelona.
It will be interesting to see what happens when Barcelona come calling for Pepe this winter.
