Liverpool have offered £71.6million to Lille for Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe, according to L’Equipe.
The French newspaper claims that Arsenal, Napoli and Inter Milan have also offered up the same amount of cash, which matches what Lille are demanding for the 24-year-old forward.
It is understood that Pepe is currently in the USA but is aware that offers have been tabled for him.
L’Equipe adds that Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti met with the attacker’s agents earlier this week and once he has returned from the US, he will make a decision on the next step in his career.
OPINION
Pepe was in superb form for Lille last season and would be a good signing for Liverpool, however everything we have heard so far this summer has suggested that Jurgen Klopp is not in the market for any big new signings. ESPN rubbished links with Pepe earlier this summer while Football Insider has reported that the attacker has already agreed personal terms with Manchester United. L’Equipe’s report, interestingly, says that Man United are yet to match Lille’s valuation for Pepe, so maybe this news story has been put out by an agent or intermediary to get the Red Devils to firm up their interest with a bid. If Man United feel like Liverpool or Arsenal might win the race for Pepe then they might hurry up and slap down an offer for the 24-year-old. Liverpool fans should not get too excited over this story just yet, even though he would make a fantastic addition to Klopp’s attack.
