According to a recent report by the Italian news outlet Napolista, Napoli have made a bid of €50m plus Adam Ounas to secure the signature of LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pepe. But the player prefers a move to Liverpool during this summer transfer period. However, the Liverpool Echo has claimed that the Reds have no interest in recruiting the Ivory Coast speedster in this off-season.
Nicolas Pepe’s Incredible Form In French Football Last Season
Pepe experienced the best year of his playing career in the previous campaign when he put in plenty of match-winning displays in the Ligue 1. His remarkable contributions in the offensive end of the pitch helped Lille secure a second-place finish in the French top-flight last season.
The 24-year-old made 41 appearances for the French outfit in the last term, registering 23 goals while grabbing 12 assists on all fronts. The ex-SCO Angers wide player has also earned 11 caps for Ivory Coast thus far and has scored four times for them during his international career.
Pepe’s stellar goal-scoring record in French football has raised his stock in the European market. Hence, this summer might not be the ideal time for the Reds to lure him to Merseyside.
What Are The Ivorian Winger’s Strengths?
Pepe boasts blistering pace which enables him to make some clever runs behind the opposition backline. He is not afraid to take on his marker and beat them off the dribble to create openings for himself and others around him. The French-born talent has already proven that he can score or assist goals consistently at the highest level.
Should Liverpool Orchestrate A Move For Pepe?
However, Jurgen Klopp has shown no indication that he wants to bring Pepe to Anfield this summer. At the same time, there is no denying that Liverpool can benefit from acquiring a wide player of the Ivorian’s skillset heading into the new campaign.
The Reds will need more ammunition upfront if they are to compete across all competitions in the upcoming season. Thus, Pepe could be a success story at Merseyside if Klopp decides to sign him this summer. He has what it takes to compete with the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri for a place in the Liverpool first-team.
