Earlier on Tuesday, we relayed a bit of information from France Football, who claimed that both Arsenal and Manchester United were readying an assault for Nicolas Pépé in January.
The Lille forward has started the season in incredible fashion, scoring four goals and picking up three assists in the first six games, hence the rumours.
Struggling under Marcelo Bielsa, who insisted on playing the right winger as a number nine, the Ivory Coast international has found a new lease of life under Christophe Galtier, who moved him back to his favoured role as soon as he took over.
For José Fonte, who swapped China for the north of France in the summer, a move to a bigger club is just around the corner for the 23-year-old, and he already has a few destinations in mind for his teammate.
Relayed by France Football, he said: “I see him and talk to him every day in training. He will play in a big club. That’s certain. He can play for Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United.”
No pressure for Pépé then, who was recently labelled ‘untransferable’ by his manager in January, with everyone within the club expecting him to at least finish the season.
It all depends on what Manchester United’s plans are, too, but since Lille already turned down €30m in the summer, it would take a lot more for them to part ways with him mid-campaign, and we’re not sure the Red Devils will be willing to shell out offers clubs can’t refuse around that time either.
