Ancelotti confirms Napoli in negotiations for Lille star Pepe

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Napoli are in negotiations to sign Lille forward Nicolas Pepe.

The Ivory Coast international hit 22 Ligue 1 goals last term to announce himself among Europe’s most in-demand talents.

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with Pepe, as well as Champions League winners Liverpool.

And Napoli are also in the race after Pepe’s representative arrived in Italy to begin talks over the 24-year-old’s future.

“If his agents are here it is obvious we’re interested,” Ancelotti told reporters on Thursday. “Negotiations are ongoing, anything can happen.”

@MrAncelotti: “#Elmas is an all-round midfielder who can play in various positions”
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— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) July 25, 2019

A deal for James Rodriguez appears no closer to completion but Ancelotti seems confident of Napoli signing a player he previously coached at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

“I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic, he is among the players who we are interested in,” the Italian added.

“Let’s see what happens. There is the will of Real to sell and of Napoli to take him.”

Napoli have also been linked with a move for Mauro Icardi, who has been told he is not part of Inter’s project.

Icardi is reportedly keen on joining Serie A champions Juventus instead, but Ancelotti indicated it would not mean Arkadiusz Milik leaves Napoli if the Argentina attacker signs for the Partenopei.

“None of our players are currently on the market,” Ancelotti added. “All the players are here because we intend to keep them. Of course, if someone wants to try a new experience, we’re here to listen.”