Three most likely destinations for Nicolas Pepe this summer

Nicolas Pepe has been the centre of ample amounts of attention this summer. It’s reported that a host of Europe’s biggest clubs are seeking to acquire the Ivorian’s signature. Pepe and his agent have loved every second of the speculation, playing up to it throughout the season. The 24-year-old was notoriously quoted as saying he’d want to go to a club where he could build a ‘connection’ with the full-back. In addition, his agent has been in constant contact with the media, letting the world know of his client’s availability.

This is not a situation where the hype comes before the performances, with Pepe the proof is in the pudding. In 38 Ligue 1 appearances, the 24year-old scored an astonishing 22 goals whilst providing 11 assists. Such figures have convinced Lille to demand no less than £70m for his sale.

Here are the three most likely destinations for Nicolas Pepe.

#3 Liverpool

Pepe has played for Ivory Coast 15 times

It’s a well-known fact that Jurgen Klopp has a preference for exciting wingers. The German’s philosophy is centred around gegenpressing and countering opponents before they get the chance to reorganise themselves. Nicolas Pepe would be a dream signing for Liverpool as they look to bridge that 1-point gap between them and Manchester City. There was literally nothing more the Reds could have done to win the league last year. That’s why the signing of Pepe would help take them to the next level.

Bringing in Pepe to occupy the right-wing would free up Mohamed Salah to reach his true goalscoring potential as an out and out #9. Last season we saw how effective he was when deployed through the middle, imagine how much better he would be with both Mane AND Pepe supplying him.

So far this summer, the Reds have only signed a 17-year-old centre-back for £1.71m, meaning they still have a lot left in the transfer kitty. If you want to compete with Pep’s Fourmidables, these are the kind of signings you have to make.

#2 Arsenal

Pepe has scored 38 goals and provided 17 assists in 107 Ligue 1 appearances

Nicolas Pepe is on record as saying he wouldn’t mind going to an ‘intermediary’ club before making a leap to a giant club. I don’t know if Arsenal fans should take that as a positive or not, but despite not currently being in the Champions League, realistically Pepe sees Arsenal as a good fit. Having grown up idolising Arsenal, this move would make sense for all parties involved.

The Gunners are in the midst of a do or die transfer window, the fans are calling for blood while the players are visibly feeling the pressure. Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham have promised great change over the coming years, what better way to initiate that change than to sign Nicolas Pepe.

In contrast to the reports of a £45m budget, Sanlheli himself denied claims of such a figure. Let’s be serious, do you think the Gunners would be pursuing Kieran Tierney, Wilfred Zaha and Nicolas Pepe if they only had £45m in the bank?

#1 Napoli

Pepe averaged 2.7 dribbles a game last season

According to reports this week, the Italian giants have agreed on a £70m fee with Lille for the Ivorian winger. This agreement was confirmed by Lille President Gerard Lopez himself. However, despite saying Napoli had satisfied the club’s demands, he still said it would be up to the player to decide where he wants to go.

As the first club to register a bid to the President’s satisfaction, Napoli is automatically front runners for the Ivorian’s signature. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have made the 24-year-old their prime target, with Ancelotti finally seeking an upgrade on Jose Callejon.

Nicolas Pepe would seamlessly fit into Ancelotti’s Napoli side, a team filled with pace and skill. In a league that prides itself heavily on defending, this would be an ideal move for Pepe to test himself before aiming to go to a Real Madrid or Barcelona.