Newcastle have been heavily linked with winger Nicolas Pepe.
Nicolas Pepe
Angers president Said Chebane has told Foot Mercato that he has received two offers for star winger Nicolas Pepe, with Newcastle possibly one of the clubs.
Pepe, 22, joined Angers from Poltiers in 2013, and after a loan spell with Orleans last season, he has shown glimpses of his quality in Ligue 1 this term.
The winger – now an Ivory Coast international with four caps to his name – hit three goals and one assist in Ligue 1 this season, showing real promise though he was in and out of the Angers side.
New Lille Marcelo Bielsa
With blistering pace, Pepe has attracted major interest, with L’Equipe reporting last week that Newcastle United, who failed with a January move for the player, were leading the race for him this summer.
However, Monaco were also believed to be keen, as they stick to their approach of targeting promising young players despite the riches they will gain from selling star players this summer.
General view of the top of the Stadium
Now, Angers president Said Chebane has commented on Pepe, telling Foot Mercato that he believes the winger is comparable to Borussia Dortmund star Ousmane Dembele, and thinks he could be worth a similar amount of money
Chebane added that he has received two offers above €10million (£8.75million), and admitted that he is resigned to losing Pepe during this summer’s transfer window.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
“10 million euros for Pepe? Oh, a little bit more!” said Chebane. “It is a player who, if he continues on this course, can do beautiful things. He is likened to a player like Dembélé. I think Dembélé already has his price level. I do not see why in the long run we would not ask for such awards for Nicolas Pepe,” he added.
“I asked for €10m in the winter. Today, we received offers and the two offers are slightly above €10m. Only Nicolas Pepe has a good exit this summer. He is going to leave considering the two offers that are coming right now. I think he is going to leave,” he added.
Foot Mercato’s report suggests that one of the offers is from an English club, presumed to be Newcastle, whilst Lille – now managed by Marcelo Bielsa – are also thought to have made one of the bids, with Pepe seemingly set for a big move this summer.
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