Manchester City have inquired about the availability of Lille forward Nicolas Pepe, one of the rising stars in France’s Ligue 1, according to Duncan Castles of The Times.
The 23-year-old is an Ivory Coast international and has been in stunning form so far this season with 8 goals and 7 assists in just 11 appearances for Christophe Galtier’s side.
Despite having English football’s most prolific attack, Pep Guardiola is said to be exploring his options to add yet more talent to his ranks, and Pepe is one City have watched before.
It was reported in France during the 2017 summer transfer window that City had entered the running for Pepe, then of Angers, but he ultimately opted to join Lille.
Lille now value Pepe, who is under contract until 2022, at £44 million which would represent a huge profit on the £10.5 million they paid for him last year.
Former Southampton defender Jose Fonte, who is a teammate of Pepe’s at Lille, said of the player: “He can reach the highest level, he could play for a Real Madrid, a Barcelona – any team.”
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