According to a recent report by the Times, Manchester City are monitoring the development of LOSC Lille speedster Nicolas Pepe and have registered their interest in the Ivory Coast international. It is understood that Pep Guardiola is looking to bring in some attacking reinforcements and Pepe fits the bill perfectly.
Pepe’s Rich Vein Of Form For Lille This Season
The 23-year-old has lit up the Ligue 1 with some dazzling displays for Lille this season. He has already put in some match-winning performances at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy during this campaign which has not gone unnoticed by other clubs. The Ligue 1 winger has made 13 appearances for Christophe Galtier’s side this term, finding the back of the net eight times while creating seven assists in all competitions.
Nicolas Pepe: Brief History
The Ivory Coast sensation was born in Mantes-la-Jolie in France and began his football career with Poitiers FC before sealing a move to SCO Angers B on a free transfer. It took him two years to get promoted to their ‘A’ team. Since then, Pepe has gone out on a season-long loan spell to play for US Orleans before ensuring a regular starting berth at Angers. The Lille chiefs wasted no time in spotting his skills and snapped him up last year in what now looks to be on a bargain deal.
What Will The Ivory Coast Prospect Bring To The Etihad Stadium?
The Ligue 1 attacker has blistering pace under his belt and has fantastic ball control which helps him dribble past his marker out of tight areas with minimal effort. The 23-year-old has also developed a knack for scoring and creating goals from the flanks as evidenced by his brilliant record this season. Pepe can pass the ball well but is also prone to getting caught in possession at times which he needs to work on if he wants to test himself at the highest level.
Do The Citizens Need A Player Like Pepe?
The potential acquisition of a player such as Pepe will undoubtedly bolster Guardiola’s attacking options at the Etihad Stadium. The Citizens have a plethora of wingers in their squad such as Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Riyad Mahrez, Brahim Diaz and Bernardo Silva. Hence, Guardiola should instead use the money on improving some of the other areas of his team and not make a move for Pepe’s services at this moment.
The Ivory Coast international is still a raw talent and needs time to prove himself at the top level for a sustained period before he is ready for Premier League football.
