Lille’s President has confirmed that Napoli are ready to meet his €80m asking price for winger Nicolas Pepe.
Pepe’s representatives caused something of a stir yesterday when they landed in Dimaro for talks with Napoli, and Gerard Lopez revealed they were one of four clubs in the running to sign the 24-year-old.
“Last year we asked Pepe to stay, with the promise that we’d sell him in this transfer window,” Lopez told Tuttosport.
Lille’s President has confirmed that Napoli are ready to meet his €80m asking price for winger Nicolas Pepe.
Pepe’s representatives caused something of a stir yesterday when they landed in Dimaro for talks with Napoli, and Gerard Lopez revealed they were one of four clubs in the running to sign the 24-year-old.
“Last year we asked Pepe to stay, with the promise that we’d sell him in this transfer window,” Lopez told Tuttosport.
“We’ve received offers that satisfy us in a financial sense from four clubs. De Laurentiis has met our asking price of €80m.
“Now it’s up to the player to decide where he wants to go, also based on the offers that his agents have received from the four clubs.
“Pepe will get back from his holiday on Monday and I believe he will make a decision in the middle of next week.”
It is reported the club have offered the Ivorian €4m a season after tax plus bonuses, whereas he is holding out for over €5m, although Goal.com stresses the distance ‘doesn’t seem unbridgeable’.
Ounas is expected to go the other way, with a valuation of €15-20m, but the French side’s patron made it clear the two deals did not depend on each other.
“They’re two separate negotiations.”