Football News

United set for bidding war with Premier League rivals over £30 million-rated striker

United set for bidding war with Premier League rivals over £30 million-rated striker


Nicolas Pepe news

Manchester United have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Lille striker Nicolas Pepe, with Arsenal also said to be considering a move for the Ivorian.

The 23-year-old joined Lille from fellow French outfit Angers in 2017 and has enjoyed an impressive first year at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, scoring 17 goals in 41 appearances.

Pepe also has 8 caps at international level with the Ivory Coast and is considered to be one of the country’s most promising players, which explains why he’s being linked with two huge Premier League clubs.

According to Team Talk, Lyon, Sevilla and Southampton were all hopeful of signing the Lille starlet during the transfer window, with the Saints having a €14 million offer rejected just before the start of the new season.

But French publication Telefoot, as reported by Team Talk, claim United have sent scouts to France to watch Pepe in action and might consider lining up a move for the young attacker in January.

If we’re serious about getting the player, it may be worth cheering up fellow compatriot Eric Bailly, who is said to be unhappy at United due to a lack of game time under manager Jose Mourinho.

Team Talk also states that Arsenal made contact with Lille over a potential deal for Pepe last week, but with the Reds now also in the running, we could have a transfer duel on our hands. With the striker currently valued at €30 million, we could be part of a bidding war when the transfer window re-opens in January.