OGC Nice are reportedly in advanced talks to sign AS Monaco attacking midfielder Sofiane Diop, with Newcastle United also interested in the French youth star who could be brought in to partner Arsenal loanee Nicolas Pepe.
According to Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 are making good progress on striking a deal with Monaco to sign the 22-year-old talent, with Diop one of the best performing players in France last season as the versatile attacker bagged nine goals and seven assists in all competitions.
A regular for France at youth level, interest has been high in Diop this summer with Newcastle one of the clubs reportedly interested in signing the Monaco starlet, yet it now appears that Nice have taken the lead in the race to sign the youngster with a deal now close to being completed.
With a reported asking price of £20m, Diop will be the latest ambitious signing Nice have made this summer following the arrival of Pepe on loan from Arsenal as well as Aaron Ramsey, who joined for free after the Wales international was released by Juventus one year before his contract was due to expire.
Indeed, Nice are forming a pretty strong squad for the new season, and with Diop now on the verge of signing, Lucien Favre could have an incredible attacking line-up on his hands should he decide to pair the 22-year-old with Pepe, who could thrive in Ligue 1 after leaving Arsenal.
Whilst Newcastle could have done with signing a versatile attacking midfielder like Diop, the pending arrival of Alexander Isak will be more than welcomed at St. James Park by Magpie supporters, and Nice, in turn, land a player who could help them thrive in both France and in Europe.
Nice signing Diop could get the best out of Arsenal loanee Pepe
Diop would be an exciting signing for Nice given how impressive the Newcastle target was for Monaco last season, but as well as providing his own goals and assists, the French youngster could be key in getting the best out of Pepe, who has suffered a huge dip in form over the last 12 months.
It’s easy to forget that Pepe enjoyed one of the best Ligue 1 season’s in recent memory during his final year at LOSC Lille, and signing for Nice and partnering with Diop could be the exact remedy the Ivorian needs to return to his best, something many supporters want to see this campaign.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
