Ligue 1 sensation Pepe to leave Lille

Nicolas Pepe will leave Lille for a “great European team” in the next transfer window, the Ligue 1 side’s coach Christophe Galtier has confirmed.

Pepe has been in outstanding form for Lille this season, scoring 22 league goals from 37 appearances as Galtier’s side secured a second-place finish.

His performances have reportedly drawn interest from a number of high-profile suitors, and Galtier conceded Lille have little choice but to cash in on the 23-year-old.

“Nicolas Pepe will leave. Life’s like that, football’s like that today,” Galtier told Canal+.

“He is a player of the highest level who will have a big decision to make on the choice of his next club.

“There will be a battle between the great European teams. I hope that he will take good amount of time to think about it, do his research.”

THE CHAAAAAAAMPPPPIIIIOOOOOOOONNNNNNSSSS! @ChampionsLeague #UCL pic.twitter.com/aT28Y3S0bl

— LOSC Lille EN (@LOSC_EN) May 18, 2019

Pepe scored twice in Lille’s 5-0 win over his former club Angers on Saturday.

Premier League clubs Liverpool and Manchester United have been credited with an interest, though Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly eager to sign the Ivory Coast international.