Arsenal target Pepe is ‘sure’ to leave Lille, confirms club president
ARSENAL target Nicolas Pepe is “sure” to leave Lille at the end of the season, according to club president Gerard Lopez.
The skilful winger has also been linked to Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich following his superb season in France.
Pepe has made a name for himself in Ligue 1 this season with 19 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
The 23-year-old has cemented his spot in the starting XI and he is under contract until June 2022.
But the club’s president has confirmed that he is likely to leave this summer after just two years with the club.
He said: “This summer, I think we will sell four to five players, no more.
“All clubs are forced to balance their accounts except perhaps one. I would yes say, it is sure he will leave.
“He enters a price range that can no longer be paid. There is a career choice to him make him for him, I think he will have the choice.”
Lille sporting director Luis Campos claimed in December that the club value him at £72 million.
But Arsenal and Manchester United were given a huge boost when the Lille boss said the winger would look good playing in red.
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The 52-year-old boss said: “Nicolas Pepe is having a great season and he will continue to improve.
“He has to go to a Champions League club. In my opinion, he does not need an intermediate step to go as high as possible.
“I can see him well in a team that plays in red.”