WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal reacts during the Carabao Cup Second Round between West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal at The Hawthorns on August 25, 2021 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Leicester City join the race to sign Nicolas Pepe

Aug 22, 2022

Leicester City are reportedly interested in Nicolas Pepe, potentially preparing to join OGC Nice in the race for the winger’s signature.

Arsenal's French-born Ivorian midfielder Nicolas Pepe (R) shoots to score their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 24, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) — Arsenal’s French-born Ivorian midfielder Nicolas Pepe (R) shoots to score their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 24, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Media Foot report that in addition to the interest from OGC Nice, Leicester City are also making enquiries for Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe.

Leicester have had a very quiet summer so far, with their sole signing the free transfer of goalkeeper Alex Smithies. They were relying on sales to buy, and they haven’t made any serious sales.

But with Chelsea working on a major bid to sign Wesley Fofana and the potential for a late Arsenal bid for Youri Tielemans, Leicester will be trying to set the groundwork for some incomings. Perhaps Pepe could be one of them.

Nice are certainly still the favourites for Pepe right now. Saber Desfarges reports that Nice are pushing to complete a loan deal, negotiating with Arsenal and Pepe over his wages this season.

Hopefully, rival interest from Leicester will help to push things along, particularly given Arsenal are hoping to sign Pedro Neto from Wolves once Pepe is off the books.

Ivory Coast's forward Nicolas Pepe (L) attends a training session on the eve of the friendly football match between France and Ivory Coast at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southern France on March 24, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) — Ivory Coast’s forward Nicolas Pepe (L) attends a training session on the eve of the friendly football match between France and Ivory Coast at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southern France on March 24, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reported earlier last week that talks are continuing between Arsenal and Nice over a loan deal for Pepe, with the Gunners telling Pepe he has to find a new team as soon as possible.

Romano added that despite some rumours to the contrary, Sevilla hadn’t made a proposal for Pepe.

Pepe was left out of the matchday squad to face Bournemouth on Saturday, with all parties seemingly hoping he’ll soon finalise his plans for the future – at least for this campaign.